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28.05.2026 / News /

Community takes action outside Hackney Council to demand justice for Maryori

“I have felt harassed despite giving 100 per cent of myself at work. It is not fair that at the slightest problem, workers can be made to feel like they are worth less and pushed out as if they have no value.”

Maryori, Hackney Council cleaner and UVW ember

In May, UVW members and supporters took action outside Hackney Council to demand justice for Maryori Pacheco Masias, a migrant cleaner and UVW member whose working conditions were abruptly changed in February after years of working at various council sites.

Her weekly hours were cut from 35 to 20, while she was also told to start work at 5am, a schedule she had never previously worked. She says the changes have caused a significant loss of income and placed her under serious financial pressure.

Maryori has taken legal action against Hackney Council, raising allegations of harassment and discrimination. She says she repeatedly raised concerns about her treatment, but that her attempts to resolve the situation have been met with delays and a lack of response.

At the May action, UVW members and supporters called on Hackney Council to listen to Maryori and resolve the dispute. The message was clear: Justice for Maryori!

Maryori’s case is questioning what it means for Hackney to call itself a “Borough of Sanctuary” while a migrant worker who has given years of service to the council says she has been left struggling after her hours were cut.

Her situation highlights the vulnerability faced by low-paid migrant workers, including cleaners whose work is essential but too often goes unrecognised.

UVW is supporting Maryori in her fight for justice.

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

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