“We knew we needed to organise. We’d never been represented by a union before, but I and some other workers realised we needed to have a voice and our rights respected. We decided to talk to our colleagues, to unite, and we chose UVW because, as Latin Americans, we felt we fit in well with the union.”

Carlos Vásquez Ortiz, Colombian cleaner and UVW member

UVW members, mostly migrants from Latin America who clean Battersea Power Station—one of London’s most iconic landmarks—are demanding better pay, improved working conditions, and an end to the chronic issues that have left them exhausted and feeling undervalued for years.

The cleaners are calling for an hourly wage increase to a minimum of £15, recognising their essential role in the commercial success of the iconic building as well as the high living costs they face in London.

According to CEO Simon Murphy, Battersea Power Station achieved “total residential sales for the past 24 months (2021–2022) just shy of £1 billion.” On its part, OCS—which took over the contract in November 2024 from JPC Samsic—reported sales of £1.7 billion in 2023.

Their demands are not only about pay but also about respect and dignity. In addition to fair pay, the cleaners are demanding a proper sick pay scheme, as the current statutory sick pay means they receive nothing for the first four days of illness and only £109 per week thereafter. “We can’t afford to be ill. It’s not enough to live on,” they say.

The recent takeover by OCS is seen as an opportunity by the outsourced cleaners to start afresh. “We hope the new OCS management will recognise the union and address our concerns,” the cleaners say.

“We want to have a voice”:  Battersea Power Station migrant cleaners demand fair wages and union recognition   

12.11.2024