RMT delegates backed calls today to intensify the union’s campaign to end outsourcing and bring cleaning services back in-house across the rail industry.

Stephen Rees, from Cardiff, described how cleaning grades suffered lower rates of pay, no sick pay or travel benefits or pensions across the rail and underground networks.

Speaking to delegates at the transport union’s AGM in Liverpool, he said: “We need an ongoing strategy to deliver for these workers.

“Going forward under Great British Railways (GBR) all cleaners should be in-house.”

Cleaner Mariana Zlatanova, from Finsbury Park, said that outsourced staff not only suffer worse conditions but there were no opportunities for progression in the industry.

Rhys Harmer, London Underground Fleet, said that the union needed to develop industrial strategies at branch level to bring cleaners into the union and turn them into activists.

“They need our help and the best thing we can do is equip them with the skills to organise themselves as a fundamental part of the union at every level,” he said to applause.

Chris Hollowell, from Docklands Light Railway, said that outsourced workers were treated as second-class citizens with little or no minimum rights and it had to be addressed.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey outlined how outsourcing giants like Mitie and Serco were creating constant downward pressure on terms and conditions of workers.

He said: “These companies have no assets and are basically claiming rent on the backs of the entire industry.

“And these contracted out staff desperately need industrial trade unionism to defend themselves.

“Outsourcing means a two-tier workforce in which workers face discrimination, victimisation and sacking if you dare to fight back.

“Those in higher grades with full trade union rights should be helping these workers getting organised.

“We have come a long way with our own industrial cleaners’ conference and some victories over sick pay and recognition.

“However, more needs to be done and the creation of GBR is an opportunity to bring political pressure to bear and end outsourcing in the transport industry.”