The RMT union has intensified its campaign for the London Mayor to bring all cleaning services at Transport for London (TfL) back in-house, arguing that the public transport body has fallen victim to 'corporate capture' by private contractors. The union's demand is rooted in concerns over the poor pay, inadequate conditions, and lack of job security faced by outsourced cleaning staff across the capital's transport network.
According to the RMT, the current outsourcing model allows private companies to profit at the expense of workers and the public. They highlight a disparity in treatment and benefits between directly employed TfL staff and those working for external contractors, despite performing essential roles in maintaining hygiene and safety standards across the Tube and bus networks.
The union's call is supported by a report from the Institute of Employment Rights (IER), which examines the impact of outsourcing on public services and workers' rights. The IER's findings reportedly bolster the RMT's argument that insourcing would not only improve the livelihoods of cleaners but also enhance accountability and efficiency within TfL operations.
RMT General Secretary Mick Lynch emphasised the critical role cleaners play, particularly in a post-pandemic world, and argued that their employment status should reflect this. The union contends that bringing these services back under direct TfL management would ensure fair wages, better training, and improved health and safety provisions, ultimately benefiting both workers and the millions of Londoners who use public transport daily.
This push for insourcing is not a new issue, with unions frequently advocating for an end to outsourcing in public services across the UK. The RMT believes that by ending the reliance on private contractors, TfL could achieve greater control over service quality and ensure that public funds are used more effectively to support its workforce rather than contributing to corporate profits.