All TfL cleaning staff to travel for free on transport network

The Mayor of London has announced he will extend staff free travel to all sub-contracted cleaners who work on London’s transport system, following years of campaigning by the RMT union.

The union had already won free travel for about 5,000 sub-contracted cleaners at TfL.

And now 800 more cleaners, including those working at MTR Crossrail and on London Overground, will have the same right.

Responding to the mayor’s announcement, RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said: “This is another step in the right direction by the Mayor of London, and we’re calling on him to extend it to all TfL sub-contracted workers.

“Sadiq Khan’s welcome action stands in stark contrast to the Tories, who earlier in the week forced legislation through the House of Commons that would remove these workers’ right to strike.

“Instead of attacking cleaners, the Tories should be following the Mayor’s lead and ensuring all rail cleaners have free travel.

“However, the Mayor needs to do more, too. Labour nationally has committed to oversee the biggest wave of insourcing of public services for a generation when it’s elected.

“London’s Mayor is already in power, so we’ll be stepping up our campaign for Sadiq to tackle the scourge of outsourcing in TfL, starting by bringing London’s Underground cleaners in-house.”

Sadiq Khan said: “London’s transport workers continue to play an essential and much-valued role in keeping our city’s transport network safe and operational for millions of people every day.

“The cost of living crisis shows no sign of improving, and I want to do everything I can to support those in lower paying jobs who are being hit hardest.

“With so little action from the Government I’m pleased that I can help ease the pressure for lower paid transport workers such as cleaners, catering and security staff who do such a vital job for the capital.”

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