Web picket launched as strike escalates

Transport union RMT has linked up with campaigning website LabourStart to launch the global Internet picket of London Mayor Boris Johnson in tandem with the cleaners' street presence.

Around 500 staff employed by private subcontractors through the Tube and Transport for London walked out from 13 depots at 5.30am on Thursday for 48 hours - the second solid two-day strike action taken since the start of the Olympics. Other cleaners in the area are getting around £100 a week in bonuses, and the Tube cleaners are determined to fight on.

Similar LabourStart campaigns have helped win victories around the world on workplace rights and pay and conditions.

Pickets were out in force at Stratford and other London locations to publicise their poor wages, lack of sick pay and no free travel as well as claims of intimidation, especially against union reps.

RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: "It will help us apply maximum pressure to end this scandal of poverty pay on London Underground.

"The many millions enjoying the events around the globe must not forget the London transport cleaners on minimum pay rates doing some of the dirtiest jobs in often appalling conditions.

"The Olympics has to be about equality, inclusiveness and social justice and that's what our cleaners are standing up for as the spotlight shines on London."

Details of the LabourStart/RMT cleaners' campaign can be found online at www.labourstartcampaigns.net/show_campaign.cgi?c=1484

Potential cyber-pickets can go through to LabourStart's website and sign up to a message of support for the cleaners which will be sent on to subcontractors, TfL and Mr Johnson's office.

tonyp@peoples-press.com