27.04.2026 / Press releases / charity sector

UVW and legal support centre defending pro-Palestine advocacy sign trade union recognition agreement 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

UVW and legal support centre defending pro-Palestine advocacy sign trade union recognition agreement 

• Landmark voluntary recognition agreement signed with the European Legal Support Centre Ltd. Non-Governmental-Organisation (ELSC), which provides legal support to pro-Palestinian advocates across Europe

• Staff confirm their collective voice on pay, conditions and workplace policies 

• Parties commit to a constructive dialogue, in pursuit of fairness and strong workplace relations 

• Another step in UVW’s growing representation across London’s NGO and charity sectors, following recognition at Safe Passage International 

United Voices of the World (UVW) union and the NGO European Legal Support Centre Ltd (ELSC) have signed a trade union recognition agreement this week, marking an important milestone for workers in the organisation. ELSC’s decision to voluntarily recognise UVW as their workers union of choice, as well as its unique role in providing legal support to those advocating for Palestinian rights across Europe reflect a strong alignment of values between both organisations. UVW has consistently supported and stood in solidarity with the peoples of Palestine. 

The agreement enables collective negotiation on key issues including pay, working conditions and workplace policies, and it reflects a shared commitment to positive industrial relations, grounded in mutual respect, transparency and meaningful staff participation. 

Through the agreement, workers will be supported by elected union representatives, with access to training, facility time and regular engagement with management. This will help create a fairer, more inclusive workplace where staff voices are central to decision-making, strengthening the organisation as it continues its important work supporting pro-Palestinian advocacy. 

The recognition agreement follows similar UVW agreements across the NGO and charity sectors, including at Safe Passage International, highlighting how workers in values-driven organisations are increasingly coming together to strengthen their voice at work and improve standards across the sector. 

Tasnima, ELSC Advocacy and Communications Manager and UVW member, said:  

“The successful recognition marks not an exception, but a standard that should exist for all workers: the right to organise, collectively bargain, and increased job security.  

At the European Legal Support Centre, we see this recognition as a meaningful affirmation of what workers already know in practice, that only through organising can power be shifted. Recognition is one step, but a necessary one, in strengthening our collective rights as workers. 

With only around a third of workers in the UK in trade unions, much of the workforce remains outside collective representation. The result is a labour landscape that can feel distant, fragmented, and difficult to influence. It is precisely why the responsibility now rests with workers themselves, across every sector, to organise, to join unions, and to rebuild collective strength from the ground up. 

That’s why we call on all workers, whatever your sector, to join UVW and organise.” 

Petros Elia, UVW’s UVW General Secretary, said: 

“This agreement is another important step forward for those working to defend rights and freedoms across Europe. Our union has been clear and consistent in standing for justice and solidarity, and in its support for Palestinians, and it’s significant to see that reflected in workplaces like ELSC. People in this sector dedicate their lives to supporting others, and they deserve dignity, respect and a meaningful say in their own workplaces. We welcome the constructive approach taken by the European Legal Support Centre and look forward to building a strong relationship based on cooperation, fairness and mutual trust.” 

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.       

ENDS  

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