RMT declared a formal dispute over pay with outsourcing firm ABM today, arguing that the firm’s cleaners on London Underground do not receive sick pay and are only paid the London Living Wage.

The union warned that it would be balloting members across the cleaning contract for strike action unless ABM comes to the table with an improved offer.

RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey said: “Our members are the people who keep London Underground clean and safe for millions of passengers every single day, but they are treated as second-class workers by ABM.

“They are denied sick pay, scraping by on poverty pensions and left to struggle, month after month, while ABM extracts millions in profits and dividends.

“Unless this company comes back with an offer that properly rewards cleaners for their work and provides basic dignity like sick pay, we will ballot.”

ABM was contacted for comment.