“In my experience, workers like me are too often made to feel undervalued and pushed around. I have felt bullied despite giving 100 percent of myself at work. It is not fair that at the slightest issue, workers can be made to feel belittled and pushed out as though they are worth nothing.”

Maryori Pacheco Masias, Hackney Council cleaner and UVW member

Maryori Pacheco Masias, a Colombian cleaner and member of the United Voices of the World (UVW) union, is suing Hackney Council for discrimination, unlawful deduction from wages, and breach of contract.  

Over seven years, Maryori has consistently worked 35 hours per week, originally at 6:00am cleaning Clapton children’s centre, alongside additional duties at other sites.  

In February 2026, her manager and supervisor unilaterally imposed a 5:00am start time without consultation. Maryori explained this was not feasible, due to the impact of menopause on her health and wellbeing. Her hours were also abruptly reduced from 35 to 20 per week, resulting in a significant loss of income. 

Maryori submitted a formal grievance shortly after, including concerns of bullying, harassment, and discrimination. A hearing was convened in March but abruptly adjourned before she or her representative could present her case, and it has still not been reconvened.  

UVW has repeatedly tried to engage Hackney Council – including emailing Hackney Council senior human resources manager – but these requests have gone unanswered. Maryori herself has not heard directly from the Council. 

UVW believes that Maryori’s story may not be an isolated incident, but forms part of a broader pattern of behaviour towards cleaners and other Council employees, especially migrant cleaners like Maryori.  

Hackney has publicly committed to being a “Borough of Sanctuary,” affirming that migrants “contribute enormously to our communities, our public services and our local economy.” (Hackney Council News)  

The treatment Maryori is experiencing—sudden loss of income, unilateral contract changes, and disregard for her health—appears to directly contradict these commitments.  

This case goes beyond one individual—it raises serious questions about how migrant workers are treated within a Council that has publicly committed to fairness, inclusion, and dignity for all.  

YOU can support Maryori. 

Write to Hackney Council Head of Human Resources about Maryori’s reinstatement of her 35 hours and repayment of lost wages >>