London Cleaners Fight for Rights

Last month, University of London cleaners took to the streets to fight for their employment rights.  Cleaning staff went on a 48 hour strike, led by the Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain.  Around 100 people attended the demonstration outside Senate House in Central London on the 27 Nov.  A day later, the cleaning contractor announced it would review sick pay entitlement, holiday pay, and pension scheme access.

A number of protests supported by the GMB union were held by cleaners at Tottenham College.  This too resulting in a victory whereby contractors agreed to pay staff the London Living Wage and to scrap proposed 23 per cent cut in annual working hours.

The Living Wage rate for the Capital has recently been raised 25p to £8.80.  London City Airport is now under scrutiny after one cleaner reported she earns just £6.40 per hour.