STRIKES by outsourced cleaners at Merseyrail have been suspended following an improved offer from their employer, RMT announced today.

The union says that outsourcing firm Churchill Services had previously refused to make an acceptable offer, prompting the announcement of strikes on Friday and Saturday this week.

Now that the industrial action has been suspended, the offer will be put to a referendum, which will close on April 10. RMT is strongly recommending acceptance.
 
General secretary Eddie Dempsey congratulated the cleaners for standing firm in their campaign for better pay, terms and conditions.
 
He said: “This is a great victory for some of our lowest-paid workers, with an improved offer of nearly 7 per cent, 20 days of sick pay and improved overtime rates.

“This win would not have been possible without the strong resolve of our members.
 
“It remains our view that these workers should be insourced immediately so they can receive the same terms and conditions as directly employed Merseyrail staff.”

Churchill Services was contacted for comment.