EUROSTAR CLEANERS

Early day motion 2134, tabled 21 October 2009 by Frank Dobson (Labour). Signed by 50 members.

That this House is appalled that workers employed by Carlisle Group on the Eurostar trains contract are on poverty wages which are less than the London Living Wage; is dismayed that these cleaners are denied sick pay and pensions and there are constant complaints of bullying and harassment of staff and victimisation of trade union representatives; is deeply concerned that the Eurostar cleaners have complained that there is a racial undertone to the haranguing of the mainly black and ethnic minority workforce; believes these employment abuses are more akin to the Victorian age; notes that the cleaners have been pushed into taking strike action to fight for dignity at work and salutes their bravery and solidarity; demands Eurostar and Carlisle Group take urgent steps to reach a fair settlement with the cleaners; further notes that Eurostar is publicly owned and that many public authorities have successfully intervened to ensure a living wage is paid throughout their contract chains; and therefore calls on the Government to do all it can to bring about a just conclusion to this dispute.

Signatures by party: Labour 41, DUP 2, Independent 2, Liberal Democrat 2, Conservative 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.