ORGANISING AT MITIE

RMT helpline 0800 376 3706 :: nov/dec 2025 :: RMTnews 15 RMT has launched an intense national organising drive to recruit members working on outsourced contracts on the rail network run by facilities management giant Mitie. The campaign is focussing on improving pay and conditions for outsourced workers, particularly cleaners and security staff at Network Rail stations. RMT now has recognition on Network Rail Mitie cleaning contracts at Edinburgh Waverley, Glasgow Central, Leeds City, Liverpool Lime Street, Manchester Piccadilly, London Waterloo and Bristol Temple Meads. The company has also accepted that recognition at London Liverpool Street and London Charing Cross and the union is making progress at Birmingham New Street and London Bridge. A national leaflet has been produced by the union and distributed throughout the country. London Anglia regional council recently ran recruitment drives on Mitie station contracts including King’s Cross and Euston led by NEC member Primrose Jeanton and regional organiser Kathy Mazur. This has led to recognition at Liverpool Street station and increased membership elsewhere. One of the pressing issues is against the imposition of the Merlin system, a monitoring system the firm is implementing without RMT consultation even though it is the recognised union in most of the workplaces. RMT lead officer for Mitie contracts Craig Johnston said that the Merlin System was deeply unpopular amongst Mitie members. “Our members feel they are under surveillance using the system and are under constant pressure from the company to finish tasks,” he said. Key demands also include the Real Living Wage, company sick pay and decent holidays. “Ultimately, these workers and their roles should be insourced to give them the benefit of collective time bargaining on terms and conditions, better pay and sick pay provision and access to a proper occupational pension scheme - as well as other potential benefits like staff travel. “Cleaners deserve better and RMT is determined to win that for them,” said Craig Johnston. ORGANISING AT MITIE Union drive to increase membership, win recognition and improve conditions MIGHTY UNION: RMT regional organiser Craig Johnston with Mitie members ORGANISING: RMT organiser Kathy Mazur and NEC member Primose Jeanton recruiting with members