100 per cent in

Low paid cleaners at Manchester Airport employed by Mitie Cleaning and Environmental services have voted solidly in favour of strike action in their campaign for fair pay following a two year pay freeze.

The workers who are currently being paid just the minimum wage (£7.50)  are demanding a significant increase just above the living wage (currently at £8.45) and an extra £1 an hour backdated to April 2016.

On a turnout of 73 per cent, 100 per cent of the workers who took part in the ballot voted for strike action.

If the strike goes ahead the stoppage would bring cleaning services at Britain’s third busiest airport to a virtual standstill putting its reputation as the UK’s best airport at risk.

Unite regional officer Jimmy Carter said,  “Keeping Britain’s third busiest airport clean is hard work, after a two year pay freeze workers have had enough.

“A 100 per cent vote in favour of strike action should send a clear message to Mitie. It is time to negotiate or face the prospect of disruption to the smooth running of the airport, putting its reputation as the country’s best at risk.

“Workers are struggling to make ends meet on the minimum wage and are demanding a living wage to afford the basics like food and rent. It’s time for Mitie to become a living wage employer.”

Mitie employs around 200 cleaners at the airport.