O utsourced cleaners on Merseyrail won improved pay from Churchill after threatening 48-hour strike action. Outsourcing firm Churchill Services had previously refused to put forward an acceptable offer, leaving workers no other option but to put on strike action. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey congratulated outsourced members at Merseyrail for standing firm in the face of an obstinate employer. “This is a great victory for some of our lowest paid workers with an improved offer of nearly seven per cent, 20 days of sick pay and improved overtime rates. “This win could not have been possible without the strong resolve of our members. “It remains our view that these workers should be insourced immediately so they can receive the same terms and conditions as directly employed Merseyrail staff,” he said.  RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may/june 2025 :: RMTnews 5 A fter years of work by activists, RMT has finally signed a recognition agreement for Customer Experience Ambassadors working for Lumo Trains. This agreement means that RMT can negotiate on pay and conditions for the members who work extremely hard on this open access operator. The union will enter into a collective bargaining agreement to improve the lives of staff through negotiating pay and working conditions. Lumo staff are based in Newcastle and RMT regional organiser Gaz Jackson has already met with management to start discussions around the 2025 pay award. Gaz Jackson said that work now starts on electing reps within the organisation to strengthen membership density. “Special thanks again to Newcastle Rail and Catering branch members, Martin Bullock, Andrew Scott and Dave King, who welcomed new and potential members,” he said. CLEANERS PAY WIN ON MERSEYRAIL RECOGNITION: RMT regional oganiser Gaz Jackson with RMT Lumo rep Jack Richardson RECOGNITION DEAL AT LUMO