Cleaners at private school see pay slashed after balloting strike action

Cleaners at one of the most prestigious private girls’ schools in the country have had their pay slashed by 12 per cent, a union claims.

According to United Workers of the World (UVW) union, the outsourced migrant workers at James Allen’s Girls’ School (JAGS) in East Dulwich Grove, have had their pay cut from £13.15 to £11.55 an hour.

As outsourced workers, the pay cut was administered by the school’s contractor DB Services, which employs them.

Martiza Holguin, a cleaner at JAGs, says: “I have worked there for so many years. I wake up at 4am every day, in the rain, the snow, and waiting in the cold after I arrive until they open the doors. They have no respect for us. No respect for workers. 

“They never thank us, never treat us well and now they are robbing us.

“I have rent to pay, food to buy and children to care for.

“We’re only asking for what we need to eat and to get by in London. My colleagues are going to fight hard to win the security and dignity they are trying to strip us of.”

The alleged cut took effect unannounced on payday, July 9, following the news of a successful strike ballot which closed on July 5. 

The demands that led to the ballot were for a pay rise next year in line with the London Living Wage, the same sick pay scheme as teachers, and to stop attempts to reduce the number of weeks they work per year by five, without consultation.

Correspondence from DB Services showed the company promised an uplift in pay to £13.15 an hour, the London living wage, if staff agreed to the cut in weeks. If they failed to sign the contract, their pay would be pegged at £11.55.

A DB Services spokesman said: “Some staff have been opposed to signing a contract which would have seen an increase in pay to £13.15 an hour, as they sought to negotiate other conditions. 

“This decision was made with the full knowledge that pay would remain at original levels while further details were agreed upon.”

One cleaner, Nelsa Jimenez, has described the move as “blackmail”.

She said: “It is blackmail what they’re doing – forcing us to agree to a cut in hours or a cut in pay.

“I don’t feel valued. I feel outraged. We are people. They don’t treat us like people. 

“Emotionally this has hit us hard, really hard. And financially it has damaged us.”

UVW said it will be taking legal action and has declared strike action for when the school returns in September, after the summer holidays.

Petros Elia, general secretary of UVW Union: “I’ve seen it all in my time, but this is one of the cruelest things I’ve come across. 

“This pay cut is not only shocking and clearly unlawful but has pushed these hard working cleaners onto poverty pay only pennies above the minimum wage. 

“Our members will fight this all the way through the courts and on the picket line.”

A DB Services spokesman said: “We value the hard work of our staff and are working to resolve this dispute. As we have made clear, we are committed to offering this increased wage and continue to work towards a swift resolution for our employees.” 

A JAGS spokesman said: “The disputed employment arrangements are directly between the employer, DB Services, and their staff. We value everyone who contributes to life at JAGS and we are confident that DB Services and its staff can work together to find a constructive solution.

“If during the negotiations there is anything with which JAGS can assist, we will carefully consider any points raised.”

Pictured top: James Allen’s Girls School in East Dulwich Grove (Picture: Google Street View)