Transport union RMT said today that it has joined forces with web campaigners and union resource Labour Start to launch a global “cyber picket” of London Mayor Boris Johnson in the fight for Olympics pay justice for tube cleaners working for ISS and Initial.

The cleaners began a 48 hours strike at 05:30 hours on Thursday 9th August 2012 and the action runs until 05:29 hours on Saturday 11th August 2012.

Pickets were out in force at Stratford and other London locations yesterday and there will be another protest at Stratford at twelve noon today.

Through Labour Start’s international network of supporters, emails in support of the strikers will now be flooding in to Boris Johnson, TFL and the cleaning companies. Similar Labour Start campaigns have assisted in winning victories around the world on workplace rights and pay and conditions.

Details of the Labour Start/RMT cleaners campaign can be found at this address - http://www.labourstartcampaigns.net/show_campaign.cgi?c=1484

RMT General Secretary Bob Crow said;

"RMT is delighted to have linked up with our friends at Labour Start to launch this important global campaign in support of the tube cleaners fight for workplace justice while London is the centre of world-wide media attention. No doubt it will help us apply maximum pressure to the Mayor, TFL and the cleaning companies to end this scandal of poverty pay on London Underground.

“With the eyes of the world on this City and the Games, the many millions enjoying the events around the globe must not forget the London transport cleaners on minimum pay rates doing some of the dirtiest jobs in often appalling conditions with no Olympics recognition and reward whatsoever.

“It is these same staff who have played a key role in keeping services clean and safe who are now forced again by their employers to take action for a living wage and recognition of their Olympics efforts.

"The Olympics has to be about equality, inclusiveness and social justice and that's what our cleaners are standing up for as the spotlight shines on London. Instead of forcing our members back out onto the picket lines these profitable companies should be round the table with us negotiating a fair deal for the cleaners."