STRIKING train cleaners are to bring their fight for better working conditions to Great Western Railway’s Swindon HQ today.

Members of the RMT voted 98 per cent in favour of strike action and walked out at 6am.

The dispute involves cleaners working on GWR and is over a number of issues including pay; parity with GWR staff, annual leave, provision of safety clothing and an agreement for a permanent workforce and an end to the use of agency workers.

The union is calling for current agency workers to be made members of GWR staff.

Further strike action will take place on Friday, December 23, into Christmas Eve.

Mick Cash, RMT general secretary, said: “RMT’s cleaner members on GWR will not stand by while they are mercilessly exploited by privateers, while rail companies fill their coffers as fares soar through the roof. That is why they are taking strike action.

“A delegation of RMT cleaners and their supporters will also travel to GWR’s head offices in Swindon tomorrow to hand deliver a petition and make their feelings clear to GWR directors.

“GWR and Servest UK can bring an immediate resolution to this dispute by immediately addressing the issues over pay and other grievances and starting the process of bringing these workers back in house so that they are on the same terms and conditions as the rest of the staff. The union remains available for talks.”

A spokesman for Servest said: “Servest has a good record of positive engagement with our employees; we appreciate and value our team and encourage an open dialogue with each and every member of staff.

"Servest is currently in talks with The Railway Maritime and Transport Union (RMT) and we hope to work together in order to resolve the contractual issues. Until we have more facts as a result of the ongoing discussions, Servest does not plan to make any further comment.”

The company was awarded a three-year cleaning contract following a tendering process in August of this year.

"Around 350 members of staff are employed to provide cleaning services across the GWR network, including station cleaning and train cleaning. This includes turnaround and in-transit cleans, as well as cleaning the trains at the depot overnight ready to go back into service the following day."