Transport for London (TfL) has sparked a major row with a leading trade union after deciding to outsource its Tube and bus cleaning services for another five years.
Union fury over Mitie contract award
The Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) has launched a scathing attack on Mayor Sadiq Khan and TfL bosses following the announcement on Thursday, 8 January 2026. The transport body has awarded a five-year contract to facilities management company Mitie, which will cover cleaning on trains, Tube stations, and bus stations.
This decision directly contradicts the union's campaign of over a year, which argued that the Mayor was actively considering bringing the cleaning service back in-house. The new contract means the service will remain outsourced until at least March 2031.
RMT general secretary Eddie Dempsey did not hold back in his criticism. He accused TfL of "corporate capture," suggesting bosses were more interested in appeasing "mates in big business" than staff or passengers. He labelled the move a "disgrace," citing Mitie's "dreadful track record of paying poor wages and not giving staff decent employment conditions."
Dempsey stated: "Mayor Sadiq Khan has told us that he will insource cleaners on London Underground. However, at this moment, he is failing to deliver that promise." He called on the Labour Mayor to act on the party's national promise of a major wave of insourcing and to take Tube cleaners back in-house "without delay."
TfL's pilot plan for future in-house cleaning
In response to the criticism, TfL has defended its decision while offering a concession to the union's demands. The transport operator stated it currently lacks the necessary expertise to manage cleaning services directly. However, it has committed to a significant comprehensive pilot programme to explore how it could affordably take the responsibility in-house in the future.
Patrick Doig, TfL's director of group procurement and contracts, explained the decision. "Following a competitive tendering process, we’re delighted to award Mitie a new five-year contract," he said. "In addition, to better understand how we could deliver affordable cleaning services in-house, we plan to work with the successful bidder on a comprehensive pilot."
Mayor Sadiq Khan echoed this commitment, expressing his delight at the pilot scheme. "I have long championed insourcing where possible," Khan said. "I am pleased to see TfL taking this important step to explore potential benefits for customers, as well as for hardworking and dedicated cleaning colleagues."
Graffiti taskforce unveiled alongside cleaning deal
Alongside the cleaning contract announcement, TfL revealed a separate initiative to tackle a growing problem on the network. A new 24/7 specialist team has been created to combat the worsening graffiti issue across the London Underground.
This move follows a public dispute between TfL commissioner Andy Lord and vigilante cleaners who posted social media videos of themselves scrubbing graffiti from train interiors. Lord initially falsely claimed to have evidence that some individuals were spray-painting tags themselves, a statement for which he later apologised just before Christmas.
The dual announcements highlight TfL's ongoing efforts to manage station and train presentation amid budget pressures and public expectation, while navigating complex industrial relations.
