“HEROIC” outsourced train cleaners who have worked throughout the Covid-19 pandemic are set for further strikes today in an ongoing dispute over pay justice, RMT has confirmed. 

The Avanti West Coast workers, who are employed by French multinational Atalian Servest Limited, will begin a 48-hour walkout at 7.30pm tonight after bosses tabled an “insulting” six pence per hour wage increase, the rail union said.  

The staff, who solidly backed previous industrial action in January and February, do not have company sick pay and receive an hourly rate of just £9.68. 

RMT head Mick Lynch described their treatment as an “utter disgrace,” adding: “While the profits and dividends are siphoned off abroad, cleaners are expected to put up with poverty wages.

“It’s a scandal that we’re driven to strike action to win the most basic workplace justice.

“Atalian Servest need to make these heroes a better offer and Avanti need to take responsibility because they are complicit in this gross exploitation.”

The train operator has previously said it would work to “minimise disruption” during the walkouts.

Atalian has been contacted for comment.