01.10.2025 / Press releases / West End Quays

Fifth strike looms at West End Quays luxury flats after broken pay deal and surveillance scandal

Attached picture credit: UVW 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Fifth strike looms at West End Quays luxury flats after broken pay deal and surveillance scandal – workers re-balloted today 

• Fifth strike looms at luxury flats as UVW cleaner and concierge members at West End Quay begin re-ballot for further strike action running until March 2026  

• This is the only concierge strike in the UK  

• Strike escalation follows broken deals, revelations of covert surveillance of workers, and the attempted imposition of disputed contracts  

• Employer accused of union-busting and attempting to breach their collective bargaining rights  

• Legal claims total over £200,000, alongside a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Officer  

Cleaners and concierges at the luxury West End Quay (WEQ) apartments in Paddington – where flats sell for millions – are today being re-balloted for further strike action by their union, United Voices of the World (UVW), as tensions escalate over broken promises, union-busting, and shocking revelations of alleged unlawful surveillance.  

A 10-day strike in September, during which UVW members picketed the Residents Annual General Meeting, marked the fourth walkout in two years.  

The re-ballot, which opens today and could pave the way for the fifth round of strikes over the next six months, follows an explosive period of industrial unrest, including the strike in September, a series of legal actions taken by workers including employment tribunal claims, a complaint to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO), and an investigation into alleged unlawful surveillance.   

If strike action continues until March 2026, it will mark the 18 months since the dispute began in September 2024.   

The latest flashpoint came when, despite initially agreeing to an ACAS-facilitated pay deal, management attempted to tie it to a 2025 pay rise to the condition that workers give up their hard-won collective bargaining rights.  

The workers, overwhelmingly migrant, Black and brown are rejecting a new contract that would have stripped them of basic legal protections, including the right to collectively bargain. The new contract would also have allowed:  

• Unilateral changes to hours and pay  

• Mandatory overtime without consent  

• Searches of workers, their belongings and even their cars  

• The banning of prayer by refusing additional breaks  

The strikes follow a letter of no confidence in the Managing Director, a complaint to the ICO, multiple employment tribunal claims, and an investigation triggered by a collective grievance from concierge staff, which confirmed that WEQ management authorised covert surveillance using hidden smart glasses worn by a staff member. The union alleges this surveillance specifically targeted union members and may amount to serious violations of human rights, including breaches of privacy and freedom of association. Residents at WEQ are also considering their own legal action after learning they may have been secretly filmed.  

UVW is supporting the workers in their legal claims against WEQ totalling over £200,000, and is demanding immediate compliance with workers’ collective bargaining rights, the implementation of the agreed pay deal, and an end to the intimidation of union members.   

Franco, concierge who took part in the ACAS-facilitated negotiations, said:   

“Today we open our re-ballot because our fight is far from over. After eight exhausting hours at the table, the company tore up the ACAS pay deal and gave us an ultimatum: accept their contracts or lose the pay rise, and even our legal right to negotiate. That was the final straw. This re-ballot is our answer. We’re ramping up our action, we’re getting organised, and we’re ready to strike again if we must. We will defend our union; this situation has strengthened our resolve. We will not be silenced, and we will not back down.”  

Petros Elia, General Secretary of UVW, said:  

“This re-ballot is a message to West End Quay: you cannot spy on your workers, rip up their rights, and expect to get away with it. Our members are standing up to a culture of authoritarianism and abuse — and they’re not backing down. Instead of negotiating in good faith, WEQ management has chosen lies, surveillance, and union-busting. This will only strengthen our members’ resolve and our legal case. UVW will continue to support our members every step of the way as they fight for dignity, justice, and accountability.”  

For further information, images, or to arrange interviews with striking workers (English and Spanish speakers available), contact the UVW press office:  

 Isabel: 07706 987443   

Cristina: 07548 759340  

E-mail: comms@uvwunion.org.uk  

About UVW  

United Voices of the World (UVW) is a grassroots union representing low-paid, insecure, and predominantly migrant and BAME workers, including cleaners, concierges, couriers, carers, and hospitality staff across London.  

About the dispute  
The workers’ demand a pay increase in line with inflation, equal sick pay and holiday entitlement for all staff, one week’s paid compassionate leave, and a two-week annual bonus.  

Workers at Luxury West London Flats Announce 11-Day Strike In Escalation of Year Long Pay Dispute 

West End Quays concierge and cleaners to strike in July against surveillance, intimidation and punitive pay policy >> 

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