Contract cleaners on East Midlands Trains launched a 48-hour strike yesterday for workplace justice and a living wage.

Pickets were in action along East Midlands routes. The cleaners, who are members of transport union RMT, are employed by profitable contracting firm Rentokil Initial.

The company is attempting to impose a pay freeze on wages which are already pitifully low, says RMT.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said the "rock solid" strike by cleaners "sends out the clearest possible message that they are prepared to stand up in unity and strength against the bullying and exploitation of this cheapskate outfit."

He said the idea "wealthy company" Initial "cannot afford to pay their cleaners on East Midlands trains a decent, living wage is pure nonsense.

"This company has a track record of exploiting its cleaning staff throughout the public services for the maximum profits that can be extracted and our members on this lucrative train franchise are making it as clear as possible today that they are prepared to stand up and fight for pay justice."

The East Midlands cleaners' strike is part of a growing rebellion by low-paid contract cleaners employed on Britain's privatised rail network.

Tyneside cleaners achieved their goal of a living wage earlier this year after an 18-month campaign.

A determined pay campaign is also taking place on the Great Western rail network linking London, south-west England and Wales.