Fair pay and conditions for rail cleaners

That this House supports cleaners who are members of the RMT union employed by Churchill Contract Services who are balloting for industrial action in support of better pay, sick pay and travel facilities; notes that these cleaners, who work to clean trains and stations in the South East, including on Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern and Southeastern train services, High Speed 1 and Eurostar, have worked throughout the pandemic, at risk to themselves, to ensure that rail travel is safe and help keep essential services running; further notes that passenger surveys consistently stress the importance of cleanliness in restoring confidence in public transport, making clear that cleaning is an essential service; is concerned to learn that many Churchill cleaners are only paid the legal minimum wage, others earn only £9.90 per hour and none receive company sick pay; is shocked to learn that 61 per cent say that they struggle to make ends meet while 69 per cent report having gone into work while sick because they do not get sick pay; is deeply disappointed that Churchill Contract Services have failed to make a satisfactory offer to these cleaners in spite of paying a £12 million dividend last year; and calls on Churchill to meet the cleaners’ claims and for the clients, including on Thameslink, Southern and Great Northern and Southeastern trains services, High Speed 1 and Eurostar to help facilitate a settlement that will give cleaners the respect and dignity they deserve.