RMT Warns of Filthy Trains During New Year Strike Action

Cleaners working on the Docklands Light Railway are set to walk out on New Year’s Eve in a dispute over sick pay arrangements. Members of the RMT employed by contractor Bidvest Noonan will stage pickets from 6am on Wednesday 31 December until Thursday 1 January, marking the latest action following strikes in late November and early December.

The dispute centres on Bidvest Noonan’s offer, which only includes a limited provision of one week’s full sick pay for employees with certain serious or terminal illnesses. The RMT has criticised the proposal as wholly inadequate and insulting to its members.

Eddie Dempsey, General Secretary of the RMT, said:

“Bidvest Noonan have behaved appallingly and are continuing to fail in making any acceptable offer on company sick pay. Cleaning staff on the DLR do a vital job keeping London’s transport network safe, clean, and presentable. Passengers face filthy trains during New Years celebrations and the responsibility for that lies squarely at the feet of Bidvest Noonan. Transport for London, which oversees outsourcing contracts, must bring these services back in house, and pay workers proper sick pay, if we are to avoid these kinds of disruptions in 2026.”

Image: RMT