RMT wants Tube Lines to increase its cleaners' minimum wage

Rail Maritime and Transport union (RMT) said the workers' demand for a "London Living Wage" of �7.20 per hour has recieved support from 40 MPs.

Currently 500 cleaners, who are employed by contractor Tube Lines for London Underground, are paid �5.52.

Last month 900 cleaners working for collapsed maintenance firm Metronet were assured the "London Living Wage".

The hourly pay of �7.20 for these workers is expected to come into effect in January when the firm is taken over by Transport for London.

RMT said a motion supporting the demand for an increase was tabled in the Commons by Labour MP John McDonnell (Hayes and Harlington).

It was signed by at least 40 MPs.

RMT general secreatry Bob Crow said: "Now that cleaners working on Metronet contracts are to get paid �7.20 an hour, it is time that Tube Lines started paying a living wage."