OUTSOURCED CLEANERS NEED THE NEW DEAL IN FULL

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may/junel 2024 :: RMTnews 20 More than 50 outsourced cleaning workers assembled in Westminster to send a clear message to Labour that if it forms the next government, it must implement its New Deal in full, including its commitment to oversee ‘the biggest wave of insourcing for a generation’. The event, organised by MT and supported by Unite and PCS, was a direct consequence of motions submitted to last year’s AGM by the cleaning grades industrial organising conference. The decision to focus on Labour reflected recent polls suggesting that it is likely to form the next government and the fact that its New Deal for Working People contains a key pledge on insourcing. RMT and the other unions involved are determined to hold Labour to that pledge. Chairing the meeting, John McDonnell MP stressed the importance of Labour working with unions to make concrete plans, saying “we’ve won the argument about insourcing, now the question is how we all engage in implementing it and making it happen”. Maintaining engagement with unions and using their expertise was key, he said. RMT assistant general secretary John Leach set out the position of outsourced rail cleaners, highlighted the profits made by outsourcing companies and the opportunity Labour has to make a big difference to workers lives, urging Labour to seize this opportunity and work with unions to deliver a worked-out programme of insourcing in its first term. A key part of the event was outsourced members speaking directly to politicians about their experience on the frontline, working for companies geared toward profiteering off low paid OUTSOURCED CLEANERS NEED THE NEW DEAL IN FULL Cleaners tell Labour front bench to stick to its pledges to bring outsourced workers in-house President of the Cleaning Grades Conference Bella Fashola speaks on the frontline experience of outsourced rail cleaners Shadow employment Minister Justin Madders MP with TUC General Secretary Paul Nowak