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29.04.2026 / News / Justice for Cleaners

Migrant cleaner takes Hackney Council to court for discrimination and breach of contract 

 

“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, UVW member 

 

“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, UVW member 

A migrant cleaner is taking legal action against Hackney Council, alleging bullying, harassment, and discrimination after her working conditions were abruptly changed, leaving her in financial hardship. 

Maryori Pacheco Masias, a UVW member originally from Colombia, has worked as a cleaner for the council since 2019. After initially being employed through a contractor, she became a direct employee in 2021. For years, she maintained a consistent routine, working 35 hours per week across multiple sites, beginning her shifts early in the morning. 

However, in February 2026, her situation changed suddenly. Management instructed her to start work at 5:00am — a schedule she had never previously worked. When she explained that this was not feasible, particularly due to menopause-related health concerns, her objections were dismissed. At the same time, her weekly hours were cut from 35 to just 20, with the council claiming that the removed hours had been overtime. According to Maryori, those hours had long been part of her regular working pattern. 

The reduction in hours led to a sharp drop in income, placing her under significant financial strain. In response, she filed a formal grievance, citing concerns about unfair treatment and discrimination. But the process has been slow and, she says, deeply frustrating. A hearing was delayed for weeks and then halted before she had the opportunity to fully present her case. Since then, no outcome has been provided. 

Alongside this, a formal request she submitted to secure a later start time — in line with her established routine — has gone unanswered. Attempts by her union to engage with council officials have also received no response, leaving the dispute unresolved. 

The case raises broader concerns about how low-paid and migrant workers are treated, particularly in roles like cleaning that are often overlooked despite being essential. Maryori’s experience suggests a gap between public commitments to fair treatment and the reality faced by some workers on the ground. 

The impact on her has been significant, affecting both her financial stability and her wellbeing. She describes feeling undervalued and pushed aside despite years of dedicated work. 

“I have felt bullied despite giving 100 percent of myself at work,” she said. “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.” 

She is now seeking justice through the courts, while calls grow for the council to address her case and ensure fair treatment for all staff. 

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