Tube firm plans to axe cleaners

RMT claims the job cuts will result in dirtier stations

Axing cleaning staff from the London Underground (LU) will result in dirtier stations, a union has claimed.

Tube Lines, which maintains the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly lines, wants to cut 100 cleaning jobs.

But the cull would mean "filthy stations" and "hardship for remaining staff", the Rail, Maritime and Transport (RMT) Union warned.

Tube Lines said cleaning standards were high and savings would be re-invested to improve overall efficiency.

RMT chief Bob Crow called on Transport for London to intervene to prevent the cutbacks.

Tube Lines said its cleaning standards were at "record levels" based on its contractual performance targets.

A spokesman said it can now "refocus resources" thanks to improved standards, better management and investment in cleaning tools.

She said their Tube contract obliged them to find ways of maintaining the Underground more efficiently.

A spokesperson for London Underground said Tube Lines and Metronet were responsible for keeping the Tube clean.

He said they would face penalties if "the cleanliness of the Tube is not maintained to agreed contractual levels".