Union attacks poverty pay of Parliament's cleaners

The Transport and General Workers' Union has mounted a campaign against the "poverty pay" of Parliament's contract cleaners.

Deputy general secretary Jack Dromey has written to all MPs and Lords asking for their support for the cleaners. They earn just the National Minimum Wage of £4.85 per hour, receive just 12 days' holidays plus statutory days, statutory sick pay only and no company pension.

Dromey said: "Poverty pay and conditions are a scandal in the heart of a progressive democracy. Members of all parties should unite in their condemnation of the cleaners' conditions, and stand behind them in their fight for a fair deal."

The union is campaigning for a London living wage of £6.70 per hour, along with 20 days' holiday plus statutory days, company sick pay and a company pension.