Cleaning staff at Merseyrail train stations have walked out on a 24-hour strike after rejecting an "insulting" pay offer from outsourcing firm Churchill Services. The dispute involves 40 cleaning staff, employed by Churchill since June 2024, covering all 69 Merseyrail stations.
Union demands parity
The National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) said Churchill should improve the "low pay offer" given the company's post-tax profit of £15.3m for the 2025 financial year and dividends of approximately £13.5m. RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said the firm can fund the "relatively small additional cost" to maintain the pay differential sought by members.
RMT regional organiser Jimmy Brown, representing members on the picket line, said staff have always received a 20p differential on top of the real level wage increase funded by Merseyrail. Churchill refused to maintain that differential, prompting the strike.
Picket line and response
The picket gathered outside Rail House on Lord Nelson Street at 7.30am. Mr Brown said Churchill's staff in Tyne and Wear received a 20p increase, and Merseyside staff are only asking for parity. He calculated the 20p increase would cost Churchill £18,000 a year.
Churchill offered a 10p increase an hour, which members rejected as "insulting." Mr Dempsey said members are "some of the poorest paid in our industry" and need an offer that lifts them out of poverty.
Impact and next steps
Merseyrail confirmed contingency arrangements are in place to minimise impact on customer experience. The ECHO contacted Churchill for comment but received no response. RMT remains open to talks but will escalate action if Churchill refuses to engage.
