Merseyrail cleaners to strike on Aintree Ladies Day

Cleaners on Merseyrail are set to strike during next month's Aintree Ladies Day after rejecting a pay offer.

The RMT said outsourcing firm Churchill Services had refused to put forward an acceptable offer, leaving workers no other option but to take strike action.

A 48-hour walkout is due to begin on the 4 April during the Grand National festival, one of the network's busiest days.

A Churchill Services representative said the company is committed to working with the union to find a positive resolution to the dispute.

"Churchill must recognise that our members are some of the poorest paid in our industry and need a pay offer that lifts them out of poverty," RMT General Secretary Eddie Dempsey said.

"The current offer falls well short of that modest demand and now we have to make the employer understand that our members are serious about securing a fair pay deal.

"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."

A Churchill Services representative said: "Our priority is always to support our colleagues and we remain focused on constructive dialogue and maintaining open lines of communication."

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