Justice for Maryori from Hackney Council

Maryori, a migrant cleaner at Hackney Council, saw her hours cut and income reduced while her health needs were overlooked and her grievances left unresolved.

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To: Steve Swain - Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development

Dear Steve Swain, Head of Human Resources and Organisational Development

I am writing as a member of the public in solidarity with Maryori Pacheco Masias, a long-serving cleaner employed by Hackney Council and a member of the United Voices of the World (UVW) union.

I understand that Maryori is taking legal action against the Council for discrimination, breach of contract, and unlawful deductions from wages. This follows serious concerns about menopause-related health issues and the unilateral cutting of her working hours without proper consultation, which has resulted in a significant loss of pay. Her grievances appear to have been ignored, proper procedures have not been followed, and the situation has caused her considerable financial hardship and stress, leading to a period of sickness absence.

This case is particularly concerning given Hackney Council’s public commitments to supporting migrant workers, its status as a “Borough of Sanctuary,” and its stated values of treating all staff with dignity, fairness, and respect. As a migrant worker and low-paid member of staff, Maryori’s experience seems to fall far short of these principles.

I am also worried that Maryori’s situation may not be an isolated case, but could reflect a wider pattern in how the Council treats its cleaners and other low-paid employees.

I am specifically concerned about:

-The unilateral imposition of a 5:00am start time, which has never been part of Maryori’s previous working pattern 
-The unlawful reduction of her contracted hours and pay 
-The failure to make reasonable adjustments for her menopause-related health needs 
-The failure to properly progress her grievance and respond to her flexible working request

I urge Hackney Council to resolve this matter urgently by:

-Immediately reinstating Maryori’s full 35-hour contract and repaying all lost wages 
-Properly reconvening and concluding her grievance and flexible working request in a fair and timely manner 
-Engaging meaningfully with her union representative (UVW) to reach a just resolution

Hackney Council’s public commitments to fairness, dignity and support for migrant workers must be matched by its actions towards its own employees. I ask that you personally intervene to ensure this situation is resolved swiftly and justly.

I look forward to receiving your urgent response on this matter.

Yours sincerely,

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