You deserve dignity, EQUALITY AND respect
Are you fed up with working long hours for low pay, with little support or recognition?
Many security guards face dangerous conditions, lack of sick pay, and exploitation by outsourcing companies.
But you don’t have to accept this and if you want to fight for better wages and conditions, join the UVW union today.
TOGETHER WE CAN WIN!
Through legal and industrial action, UVW has won big for members in pay rises, by saving jobs, recovering stolen wages, winning compensation for injuries and discrimination and fighting unfair treatment and exploitation.
FIGHTING INSTITUTIONAL RACISM
UVW is at the forefront of challenging institutional racism in the outsourced security sector, a deeply unequal industry that overwhelmingly relies on the labour of Black, brown and migrant workers while denying them the dignity, rights and conditions afforded to their in-house counterparts.
UVW continues to fight back with strikes, legal action and organising power, demanding full equality, insourcing and an end to the structural racism baked into the outsourcing model in the public and private sectors; from London’s top three museums (Natural History, Science and V&A museums) and hospitals, to government buildings.
We were the first union in the UK to end outsourcing for cleaners in higher education and the NHS, bringing over 300 cleaners in-house at the London School of Economics and 1200 facilities workers at NHS Imperial Trust. These wins ended decades of institutional racism and put millions back in the pockets of workers – where it belongs. And we are bringing the fight to the security sector too.
AS A MEMBER YOU WILL BE:
- Be part of a growing community demanding dignity, respect and fair pay
- Get advice and workplace representation
- Be able to take legal action against unfair treatment and unpaid wages
- Access meetings, training and skill-building
- Enjoy social events, workshops and parties with fellow workers
Science Museum security guards complete up to 30% pay restoration after two years of organising
“After two years of organising and strike action, we’re proud of what we’ve achieved together. But this isn’t the finish line.” Catherine Campbell, Science…
V&A and Science Museum Guards on brink of strike action over pay and ‘sham’ sackings—one year after walkouts
“After a long struggle, we managed to secure a trade union recognition deal, signed between UVW and our management. It is unfortunate that after…
Hospital cleaners win historic race discrimination appeal against Great Ormond Street Hospital
“Finally, we have the justice we have been fighting for.“ Mamuna, GOSH cleaner and UVW member The Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) has upheld a…
Historic Victory for Science Museum Security Guards Museum
“We’re so pleased we we’ve now won recognition – the first in the museum’s history for security guards. For us, it is more than…
UVW security guards at London’s top museums secure major pay rises after sustained strike action
“Since we organised with UVW and stood up for ourselves, they’ve had to listen.” – Geoffrey, security supervisor and UVW member Security guards at…
UVW cleaners at the V&A museum win 18% pay rise
The outsourced cleaners at the Victoria and Albert museum (V&A) in London, mostly migrants from Latin America, outsourced to contractor TSS, have won their…
UVW cleaners at the V&A museum join the fight for a fair wage
“We need a fair wage. We can’t make ends meet.” Like so many outsourced workers in wealthy institutions, the cleaners at the Victoria and…
Noor’s fight for sick pay and dignity at the V&A Museum
“They only pay me Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) – £500 a month – the months I’m sick. I have a family to look after…
Security guards at London’s top museums pause strike action pending promised pay offer
“We hope their promised response will be a positive one, helping to prevent future strikes” – Edi Palalej, security guard and UVW representative at…
Security guards at Natural History Museum, Science Museum and V&A urge public to not visit museums during historic month-long strike in February
“We have been ignored and treated with utter disdain for too long. We have been undermined but we do not undermine ourselves. We are…
Striking security guards visit V&A trustee Amanda Levete to demand fair pay and sick leave
“We’ve had no response from her. How would you feel if your boss ignored you or your questions for five months?”— Urzula, UVW striker…
Science, Natural History and V&A museum security guards strike continues in January as contractor faces lawsuits
“We are carrying on with the strike again this year, because we are still underpaid and we have no other choice. We are fighting…
Department for Education security guards to join mass strike on 21 December
“We all saw how the cleaners and caterers were treated, and how UVW stood up for them. They were able to win their demands,…
She asked for a chair three years ago… and she’s still waiting. A disabled Science Museum guard sues her employer for discrimination
“I’m really happy we all joined the union and are fighting for our rights. My fight through the courts and our strike at the…
V&A Museum security guards join the fight for fair pay!
“We’ve been let down by Wilson James and we’ve been let down by the V&A. We work in the same building, for the same…
Now, that’s what you call a picket! Over 300 join striking museum security guards
“I’m here at the picket line because my colleagues and UVW had no choice. We’ve felt ignored and undermined for so long, we had…
UVW threatens landmark private prosecution over use of strike breakers
UVW has instructed the Public Interest Law Centre (PILC) to serve notice on Wilson James, the security contractor at the Science and Natural History…
Security guards at the Natural History and Science museums vote overwhelmingly to strike!
“We’re going through all this pain but we don’t show it. Yet the Museum looks at us as second-class citizens; directly employed staff get…
Department for Education facilities workers declare victory in long running dispute
“We extend our thanks to all those who contributed, whether through donations to the strike fund, raising awareness, or showing up in large numbers…
Fighting for fair pay is a matter of principle
“I believe that every long journey begins with a single step. I also believe we are making history—for ourselves, our families, and future generations…
Strike ballot opens for security guards at the Science and Natural History museums after a pitiful pay increase
Outsourced security guards at the Natural History and Science museum are balloting to strike in a fight for better pay and conditions. The security guards are asking for a wage of £16 an hour and full sick pay from day one. Their bosses, Wilson Wilson James reported making over £7 million profit after tax
Round 2: GOSH cleaners vs racist outsourcing
The Employment Appeal Tribunal has accepted United Voices of the World (UVW) union appeal against Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). The brave UVW cleaners,…
DfE strike postponed: Facility staff secure backdated pay
“We have had to strike twice and we were prepared to walk out for the third time on Wednesday, but it’s great news that…
The movement is growing: caterers at DfE join the fight!
“Confidence has been crucial in my journey. It all started with the courage of my colleagues in the cleaning team. One year ago, they…
Outsourced cleaners and caterers at Department for Education demand equality on the picket line
“Where is the money? I’m a single mum and I pay every single bill. This time I’m not going to stop!” Elizete, cleaner at…
Migrant cleaners at Department for Education to strike for equality in June
“No sick pay, too much work, no proper holiday cover. We feel we are treated with disdain, we are fed up and stressed but…
Cleaners continue their epic battle against historic racial discriminatory outsourcing at Great Ormond Street Hospital in legal appeal
UVW cleaner members at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) are continuing their epic legal battle against historic racially discriminatory outsourcing at the London famous…
Cleaners at the Department for Education launch second strike ballot over equality
“No sick pay, too much work, no proper holiday cover. We are treated with disdain and we are fed up and stressed but united…
“They don’t treat us cleaners like human beings, they treat us like rats”: Cleaners at the Department of Education poised to strike for a living wage
Exhausted cleaners, struggling to pay for the basics, working at the Department for Education (DfE)’s Sanctuary Buildings are asking to be paid a living…
Three perfect strike days… and the battle continues
“We don’t give up. We overcome our fear. We keep fighting. We stick together, we win” UVW striker and senior care worker Bile from…
All aboard the UVW strike bus!
All aboard! A bus load of cleaners, carers and concierge workers together with dozens of supporters, went on a whistle stop tour of five…
GOSH cleaners make headlines in historic “institutional racism” court case
After a momentous ten-day tribunal hearing in early March, the brave cleaners and UVW members at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), suing their employer…
GOSH cleaners confront hospital in groundbreaking court case over ‘institutional racism’
“Although I am very nervous, I am standing up for my rights because we’ve been cheated for a very long time and this has…
<strong>Institutional racism tribunal claim could cost GOSH millions</strong>
Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) is today finalising the process of harmonising the formerly outsourced cleaners terms and conditions with NHS Agenda for Change…
UVW reps, building workers’ power at GOSH
At the end of July, United Voices of the World (UVW) members at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) elected workplace representatives (reps) for the…
Victory against the cops: Met apologises and pays compensation for the arrest of UVW official
“We don’t tolerate cops or bosses or anyone pushing us around.” Franck Magennis, arrested UVW member, barrister and former head of UVW’s legal department…
Great Ormond Street Hospital encouraged to ‘review its practices’ and ‘promote trust’, following UVW’s data complaint
On 16 June, the Information Commissioners Office (ICO), the independent authority protecting data rights in the UK, upheld a complaint by United Voices of…
Security guards defiant in fight against racist outsourcing at Great Ormond Street Hospital
After an epic six-week strike in February and March, the heroic security guards at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) are continuing their fight against…
The struggle continues: GOSH strike rallies are back!
Security guards at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) held their first picket since a series of rallies was interrupted by a High Court injunction…
Academics write open letter on the injunction against striking security guards at Great Ormond Street Hospital
Over 180 academics have written an open letter expressing their solidarity with the striking Great Ormond Street Hospital security guards and calling for the…
GOSH security guards call on the union movement to support their right to picket, threatened by injunction
“We call on all working class people, all unionists to join hands together, because we see an attempt to suffocate the voices of working…
Great Ormond Street Hospital threatens to seek injunction to silence security guards on strike for sick pay
The trade union United Voices of the World (UVW) has been informed by Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) that it will apply…
Security Guards launch a six-week strike with a huge rally and peaceful occupation
The first week of the Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) security guards’ strike for equality and against race discrimination was eventful, action-packed, and well…
Cleaners sue Great Ormond Street Hospital for racial discrimination over pay inequality
“GOSH has been robbing us for a long time and finding excuses not to treat us fairly. They are meant to look after us,…
Outsourced security guards at Great Ormond Street Hospital gear up to take strike action
“We are planning to go on a six-week strike in February and we call on all of you to join hands with us. People…
Outsourced GOSH security guards strike postponed
The security guards at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) have decided in good faith to postpone their planned strike, following last minute revelations that…
Security guards at Great Ormond Street Hospital to strike for six weeks in January
“It is hard to believe, but I do not get sick pay. What this means is if I go to work I put myself…
Racist hate against Black security guards at Great Ormond Street Hospital
Content warning: racially offensive language Security guards who took to the picket line to fight for equality at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) last…
Security guards fight against union-busting backlash at Great Ormond Street Hospital
United Voices of the World (UVW) are fighting back against union-busting attempts at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH). Security guards who took part in…
GOSH security guards begin strike and rally for equality!
“Why can’t they recognise us. Someone up there is making silly decisions making sure that security guards are not taken in-house. It’s so sad,.…
UVW condemns racist tropes and union busting attempt by Great Ormond Street Hospital contractor
UVW members, security guards at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH), today received a shocking letter from Carlisle Support services suggesting their lawful strike action could turn violent and abusive and they could face arrest and prosecution.
UVW calls on charity to avert strike and live up to their mission statement
United Voices of the World (UVW) has called on the Great Ormond Street Hospital Charity CEO Louise Parkes to help avert a strike at…
Security guards at Great Ormond Street Hospital vote to strike in dispute for equal rights!
“GOSH is made up of departments of families. And in a family circle, even when one member of the family feels he’s been left…
UVW members declare victory as GOSH commit to full equality
“We won the fight because we voted yes for strike and GOSH gave in to us.” Gora Diop, GOSH cleaner, UVW member Domestic staff…
Cleaners ballot to strike in ongoing dispute for equal work rights
More than a hundred cleaners who won an in-housing agreement at Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) after launching a hard-fought campaign against outsourcing to…
Cleaner’s union UVW forces Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital to end outsourcing and bring hundreds of outsourced workers into the direct employment of the NHS
Hundreds of cleaners outsourced to the multinational contractor OCS at the world renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children (GOSH) will be made NHS…
Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital found in potential breach of race discrimination laws over the outsourcing of their mainly black and brown cleaners, claims union
Great Ormond Street Children’s Hospital found in potential breach of race discrimination laws over the outsourcing of their mainly black and brown cleaners, claims…
UVW member Cetin talks organising and the SGUL campaign at TWT 2020
On September 14, Cetin Avsar, a UVW member at St. George’s University of London (SGUL) spoke at the “Forging a fighting workers’ movement” panel…
Racial justice impossible without an end to outsourcing
The BAME and migrant security guards employed by SGUL are joining the international movement for racial justice by taking their employer, St. George’s University…
“Stop the Met’s criminalisation of strikes” says barrister in legal challenge to Metropolitan Police
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE27/07/2020 “Stop the Met’s criminalisation of strikes” says barrister in legal challenge to Metropolitan Police Trade union United Voices of the World…
St. George’s security guards win full pay sick pay but vow to “fight on for full equality”
IMMEDIATE RELEASE22/07/2020 St. George’s security guards win full pay sick pay but vow to “fight on for full equality” Outsourced security guards at St.…
UVW union to argue in court that outsourcing is ‘institutional racism’
BAME and migrant security guards at St. George’s University of London medical school will argue in court that outsourcing them on worse pay than…
UVW steps in to provide PPE to outsourced cleaners at St. George’s, University of London
United Voices of the World (UVW) was forced to take action today by stepping in to provide outsourced cleaners at St. George’s University of…
UVW to distribute 2,000 surgical masks to key and frontline workers
Government and employer failure to provide masks to key and frontline workers has forced UVW union to step up to the challenge UVW represents…
International Workers’ Memorial Day
JOIN US ON APRIL 28TH for the International Workers’ Memorial Day / Workers’ Mourning Day. This is the international day of remembrance and action…
UCU Solidarity Statement
United Voices of the World (UVW) stands shoulder to shoulder with the brave UCU comrades on strike across the country. UVW believes that all…
Response to SGUL Student Union
Dear St George’s Student Union, We are dismayed with your recent statement in respect of the ongoing security guard’s strike at St George’s university…
Landmark legal challenge to outsourcing to benefit 3.3 million workers
St. George’s University of London (SGUL) is to be the subject of a landmark legal challenge to outsourcing whose outcome could benefit the country’s…
Strikes at St. George’s University of London enter their third week
Outsourced security guards take their third week of strike action as they continue to demand direct employment by St. George’s, University of London (SGUL)…
St. George’s University of London hit by second week of strike action amidst continued police repression
St. George’s, University of London (SGUL), was rocked by a second week of strike action today as security guards entered into their 3rd day…
Solidarity letter: UVW striking security guards
On Friday, January 24th 2020, UVW asked union branches, CLPs and community organisations for group and individual signatories to a solidarity letter for striking…
Metropolitan Police to face legal action after detaining barrister during lawful strike at St. George’s University
The prestigious medical school of St. George’s, University of London, found itself embroiled in controversy today, after a barrister and trade union official was…
Major disruption at three University of London universities bracing for successive weeks of strike action
3 University of London (UoL) universities will be targets of strike action in October and November (Universities of Greenwich, East London and St George’s).…
SUMMER OF STRIKES: LOW-PAY BRITAIN LAUNCHES UNPRECEDENTED FIGHTBACK AGAINST ROGUE EMPLOYERS
Some of London’s most prominent institutions are bracing themselves for a summer of labour struggle, after the United Voices of the World trade union…
Security guards at St. George’s University plan to strike until brought in-house
UVW members working as security guards at St. George’s University — a medical school in Tooting, South London and constituent college of the University…
UVW continues campaign to bring cleaners at St George’s in house
Last year, UVW launched a campaign at St George’s University demanding the cleaners be brought in-house. A decision is now expected to be made…
UVW secures the reinstatement of sacked shop steward at St George’s University
After a gruelling six month battle with management we have secured the re-instatement of Maria Fernanda, UVW’s shop steward at St George’s University, who…
ABOUT UVW
We are a community and a trade union of low-paid, migrant, marginalised and under-represented workers. We fight the bosses for dignity and respect through direct and legal action!
SOCIAL
CONTACT US