Train cleaners to strike from tonight

Cleaners who work at a leading train operator are to launch a 48-hour strike in a dispute over pay.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) employed by Atalian Servest, on Avanti West Coast trains, will walk out on Thursday evening.

The union says the French-based contractors pay the cleaners below the voluntary Real Living Wage, and no sick pay.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: "The people who clean our railways are heroes who risk their lives and health every day to keep our essential services running but the way Atalian Servest is treating its workers on West Coast trains is an utter disgrace.

"While the dividends keep flowing overseas, cleaners are expected to put up with poverty wages and live in fear of destitution if they get sick.

"It's shameful that we're driven to strike action to win such basic justice."

An Avanti West Coast spokesperson said: "We're disappointed by the decision to proceed with industrial action. We are working alongside our partners and have implemented a contingency plan so the impact is minimal on our customers."