23.04.2026 / Press releases / West End Quays

Concierges and cleaners at London luxury apartments vote unanimously for fresh strike as pay dispute escalates 

• Cleaners and concierges at West End Quay luxury apartments, in central London, have unanimously voted to strike again in what has become the union’s longest-running dispute, now in its 19th month and the third strike ballot within 13 months  

• With a 100% ballot result in favour of strike action, workers are demanding pay restoration and the after years of pay stagnation and the denial of annual bonuses  

• The dispute follows a year of sustained industrial unrest, including three strikes over 2025 triggered by a pay freeze imposed after bosses reneged on an ACAS-brokered deal and the denial of bonuses in 2025.   

• The union continues to pursue and expand multiple legal claims against WEQ, alleging trade union victimisation, discrimination, and breaches of collective bargaining agreements, with claims now exceeding £200,000  

Cleaners and concierges at West End Quay, where apartments sell for millions, have voted for strike action for the third time in a year, delivering a unanimous mandate as their long-running dispute with management intensifies.  

Staff report ongoing grievances over broken commitments and unpaid earnings, leaving many feeling they have no alternative but to return to industrial action. Workers are seeking full pay restoration following a prolonged period of pay stagnation. They expect any pay increase to be backdated to 1 January 2026, as well as they payment of the outstanding 2025 Christmas bonuses.  

The workers also demand that management immediately applies the agreed 2026 bargaining terms, including the entitlement to 12 days of paid sick leave per calendar year (January to December).   

WEQ has unilaterally imposed a rolling 12-month system, under which sick leave does not reset annually, in direct contradiction of the agreement.  This change was introduced without consultation with the workers and their union, and amounts to a breach of collective bargaining agreements with management effectively refusing to honour previously agreed terms.  

The renewed strikes come against the backdrop of escalating tensions throughout 2025, including walkouts, allegations of union-busting, and multiple legal challenges. The union will continue to add to its existing legal cases against WEQ, which include claims of trade union victimisation, discrimination, and breaches of collective agreements, with the total value now exceeding £200,000. 

Francesco Lombardo, West End Quay concierge and UVW member, said: 

“The reason we balloted for strike once again is because we still haven’t been given the 2025 pay rise and the bonus which was denied at the last minute, by offering us a  draconian contract.  We know where we stand.” 

Abdul Awudu, West End Quay concierge and UVW member, said: 

“They need to give us respect. There’s no respect and no motivation at work. We feel that we are working in a toxic environment.” 

“Karin, West End Quay cleaner and UVW member, said:  

“We are asking for the bonuses which we used to get. We are just asking for what is fair, so we can afford to live in this city. My colleagues and I work extremely hard to earn a living. In my case, I have to provide for my elderly parents. Everything is going up — inflation, rent, transport.  We all have a right to a decent life and to feel financially secure. This long-running dispute has been very difficult for us, but we remain positive which is why we have voted to strike again. We are not letting our guard down. ” 

Petros Elia, UVW General Secretary, said:  

“Now entering its 19th month, this campaign marks the most prolonged industrial conflict in the union’s history and reflects deepening frustration among workers over unresolved pay issues. These workers are taking risks to fight for dignity, fairness, and respect at work. After nearly two years of dispute, repeated broken promises, and sustained pay stagnation, they have voted decisively to make clear that they will not accept being treated as an afterthought in one of London’s most expensive developments, where apartments sell for millions. They are standing firm for what they are owed and for basic workplace justice.” 

For further information, contact the UVW communications team:
       

Cristina: 07548 759340   

Isabel: 07706 987443       

Email: 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.        

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