Merseyrail Cleaners Win Pay Raise After Threatening Strike Action

Outsourced cleaners on Merseyrail won improved pay from Churchill today (April 1, 2025) after threatening 48-hour strike action which has now been suspended.

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.