Parliament cleaners to strike again
Cleaners at the Houses of Parliament are to go on strike once again next week after failing to reach agreement in a long-running dispute over pay.
About 140 cleaners went on strike in July, calling for their current wages to be increased from £5.20 to £6.70 an hour, and for 20 days holiday, sick pay and a company pension.
The Transport and General Workers’ Union (T&G) says further action is needed because the parliamentary authorities have failed to attend meetings with unions and contractors.
This was despite “overwhelming” support for the cleaners’ cause from MPs and peers, T&G deputy general secretary Jack Dromey said.
He blames the serjeant at arms, who looks after all non-political staff, for refusing to discuss the issue, claiming he told union officials a meeting “would probably achieve nothing”.
Announcing the strike, planned for November 9th, Mr Dromey said: “We have been overwhelmed with support by MPs and Lords but the stubborn refusal of the parliamentary authorities to act has led our members to decide they have no alternative but to mount picket lines outside parliament once more.
“MPs, Lords, and the public recognise the justice of the cleaners’ claim. It is clear beyond any doubt that justice will only be delivered by parliament playing its part together with workers and the contractors. Parliament must act to end this shame.”
