Cleaners employed by Interserve, who work at the famous Waterloo Station in London, are going on strike after a manager was overheard telling company staff to not employ Black people.
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union said that bosses refused to address the allegations of victimization, ignorance of basic employee rights, underpayment of wages and harassment of the staff.
“The appalling treatment of cleaners at the busy iconic Waterloo Station is nothing short of a disgrace and has led to a complete breakdown in industrial relations,” RMT general secretary Mick Cash said.
The strike will take place on Nov. 17, 18, 21 and 22, according to a Nov. 10 RMT press release.
“Not only are our members being denied the most basic levels of fair treatment and workplace rights, but they are being subjected to a daily regime of bullying, victimization and harassment which includes disgraceful incidents of racial abuse,” Cash said.
According to the press release, the RMT is upset that Interserve has repeatedly refused to deal directly with the union about staff grievances which is resulting in a breakdown in trust and normal industrial relations.
“The union remains available for talks but the message is clear,” Cash said. “Transport cleaners are on the march and both the company and those that hire them need to wake up and take notice.”
Waterloo is the United Kingdom’s largest and busiest station. It has more platforms and a greater floor area than any other station in the UK.
