THE VICTORY

Cleaners at a private school in South London won an inflation busting 15% pay rise, full pay sick pay and improved working conditions.

The cleaners, all migrant workers’, and members of United Voice of the World (UVW) union, work at Blackheath Prep, where fees are over £15,000 a year. 

Bosses gave in to UVW demands after workers returned a unanimous vote to strike.

The dispute

The migrant cleaners, who are UVW members, at Blackheath Prep in South London, were employed by contractor Westgate Cleaning Services and only earned earned £11.44 per hour.

With everything from the cost of rent, mortgage payments, groceries and transportation costs rising every year. The measly rate of £11.44 per hour did not cover the essentials!

The cleaners were also angry because their new bosses treated them “like the dirt they clean”.

The lack of notice for deep cleaning work needed in the school holidays had resulted in some losing pay because they had already made plans with their families. To make matters worse, new cleaners were being hired on worse terms and conditions. All the cleaners were on an inferior sick pay scheme than directly employed staff at Blackheath Prep.

The cleaners had a right to family life and to recuperate when sick without worrying about paying their bills.

The Blackheath prep cleaners stood firm for respect and a living wage and won!

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