DOCKLANDS Light Railway support staff walked out for 48 hours this morning over pay and working conditions.

Staff including cleaners are employed by notorious anti-union firm Interserve.

The British-based company has a turnover of £3.3 billion and employs 80,000 workers worldwide.

Rail union RMT said that wages were “under assault” and that management had refused “meaningful” negotiations.

“We needed to send a clear message to management that staff are prepared to fight to demand decent rewards and recognition, a safe working environment, decent working conditions and will not be forced into accepting inferior pay arrangements,” said RMT general secretary Mick Cash.

“Our members will be sending that message loud and clear over the next two days in a dispute which has ramifications for the entire outsourcing industry in the UK and its virulent anti-union stance.

“The union remains available for talks.”