Cleaning staff contracted to Merseyrail began a strike on Tuesday morning after their employer, Churchill, rejected a demand for a 20p per hour pay rise. The workers, represented by the RMT trade union, gathered outside Rail House on Lord Nelson Street in Liverpool city centre from 7:30am on June 30 to picket for several hours.
Pay Dispute Details
Regional Organiser at RMT Trade Union Jimmy Brown said the workers initially requested a 20p per hour increase, which would have cost the company an additional £18,000 per year. After Churchill refused, the employees now demand to be insourced directly into Merseyrail.
Speaking at the picket line, Brown stated: "We initially went into pay talks with the company, who get their pay from the client, Merseyrail. Churchill cleaning staff keep the company going, they have traditionally always been slightly above the national living wage, by 20p. We asked Churchill to fund that and maintain that difference and they refused."
Union's Reaction
Brown emphasised the modest nature of the request: "I don't think it's unreasonable to ask for that, we're talking about 20p an hour. They [Churchill] made over £15.3 million in profits [in 2025] after tax, I think it's only right that these people deserve a decent pay rise. We're not asking for the world. I think it's absolutely outrageous."
Although 20p may seem insignificant, Brown noted it "means a lot" to the cleaning staff, who are sacrificing a day's pay to protest. He added: "They're all here today losing a day's pay, and they're not the greatest paid people in the world."
Cost of Living Pressures
The workers are struggling with rising living costs despite their essential role. Brown highlighted: "Company revenues and profits continue to grow, and many frontline employees are facing increasing pressure from higher food, energy, housing and transport costs. They deserve fair pay for the work they do, a wage increase that keeps with the pace of the cost of living, recognition for their contribution and respect."
One worker previously told the ECHO about a colleague facing eviction due to insufficient rent money, saying: "Something needs doing."
Company Response
Churchill has been approached for comment but has not yet responded. The strike continues as workers demand fair treatment and a living wage.
