BETTER JOBS, BETTER SERVICES

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: may/june 2025 :: RMTnews 6 The new era of public ownership in rail passenger transport through the formation of Great British Railways can be seen by passengers, rail workers, and taxpayers as a long-overdue victory. However, behind the headlines lies a lesser-known issue that threatens to undermine these gains: the ongoing exploitation of thousands of rail workers by private contractors operating in the shadows. The huge experiment of outsourcing and sub- contracting on the rail network is really a hidden layer of privatisation which exploits thousands of rail workers every day. As a result, while much of Britain’s rail services will soon be run by the government, a significant portion of the workforce remains employed by outsourcing and sub- contracting firms. These companies supply cleaners, caterers, security staff, revenue protection officers, and infrastructure workers—many of whom endure low pay, precarious contracts, and poor working conditions. Sub-contractors, often hired to carry out essential infrastructure work such as track renewal and engineering projects, rely heavily on zero- hours contracts and casual labour. This practice not only leaves workers vulnerable but also raises serious safety concerns across the entire rail network. LOW WAGES, INSECURE WORK Evidence continues to mount regarding the damaging effects of outsourcing. Over 80 per cent of outsourced rail cleaners report regularly struggling to make ends meet. Many admit to considering going into work while ill and fearing they won’t have enough money in retirement. A survey of agency infrastructure workers on the London Underground revealed that three-quarters face similar financial hardships. These findings point to an alarming reality: companies are profiting by keeping workers in insecure, low-wage employment, often without access to sick pay, pensions, or basic job security. OUTSOURCING AND RACISM Outsourcing not only creates poor working conditions—it BETTER JOBS, BETTER SERVICES Union calls for an end to outsourcing under Great British Railways RALLY: Over 1,000 members joined an online rally to launch the End Outsourcing campaign and the broadcast can be viewed on the RMT website on the campaign page. Left to right outsourced cleaner Bella Fashola, London Assembly transport spokesperson Elly Baker, RMT president George Welch, Eddie Dempsey and RMT assistant general secretary John Leach. Use the campaign QR code