Virgin West Coast Mainline cleaners in strike

Staff who clean Virgin trains on the West Coast Mainline are staging a 24-hour strike in a dispute over pay and union recognition.The Rail Maritime and Transport (RMT) union members are employed by Carlisle Cleaning and Support Services.Picket lines are expected at stations across the country.Stations on the line include London Euston, Birmingham New Street, Crewe, Manchester Piccadilly, Liverpool Lime Street, Preston, Carlisle and Glasgow.The RMT said 94% of members employed by the company voted in favour of action.They are protesting at a below-inflation pay offer as well as moves to de-recognise the RMT, it said.Cleaners will also refuse to empty train effluent tanks or refill fresh water tanks for 48 hours from the evening of 4 November.RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "Carlisle should understand that our members are not prepared to tolerate low pay and poor conditions any longer from a company that makes millions on the backs of their work."With a 94% vote for action and a doubling of RMT membership since this dispute began, Carlisle should recognise the justified anger of its staff."