RMT Criticises TfL for Outsourcing Tube Cleaning Contract to Mitie

The Tube union RMT has criticised Transport for London (TfL) after a five-year cleaning contract was awarded to Mitie, rather than bringing outsourced cleaners in-house.

RMT says the decision means that cleaners working on the London Underground will not receive the same pay and conditions as directly employed staff. The union highlighted that Mitie paid £41.5 million to its investment bank shareholders last year and maintains an average profit margin of 11% on railway contracts. Its chief executive, Phil Bentley, has reportedly earned £20.5 million over the past two years.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Rewarding highly profitable companies with a poor track record of paying low wages and providing substandard employment conditions is a disgrace. This is an example of corporate capture, with TfL bosses prioritising big business over the interests of staff and passengers.”

Dempsey added that Mayor Sadiq Khan had previously committed to insourcing London Underground cleaners but has yet to implement the promise.

“It is now time for a Labour Mayor to deliver on that mandate and bring tube cleaners back in-house without delay,” he said.