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East Coast train cleaners on strike

Low paid cleaners from the East Coast train line working for cleaning contractor ISS were on a 24 hour strike today, Monday 10 September.

Craig Johnston, RMT relief regional organiser, spoke to the Socialist from the picket line at Newcastle Central Station:

“One of the good things in these disputes is how we use new technology to keep in touch up and down the country.

“Photos and reports from our picket lines at London Kings Cross arrived on our Blackberries and mobile phones in Newcastle. There were cheers and clenched fists up here!

“The strike is rock solid. The number of striking workers on the picket line shows again that RMT cleaners are not prepared to accept misery conditions and wages from companies that are making mega profits and bonuses. We are determined and resolute to fight for a better deal.

“It has been great to see Chuchill cleaners [who are also fighting poverty wages on the Tyne & Wear Metro] come down to give their support before going into work. Also, the PCS came down to offer solidarity”.

Elaine Brunskill

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See also:

RMT assistant secretary arrested on picket line

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This version of this article was first posted on the Socialist Party website on 10 September 2012 and may vary slightly from the version subsequently printed in The Socialist.