Harrods’ migrant cleaners declare victory after ‘forcing policy change’ on annual leave

Migrant cleaners at Harrods have declared victory and called off their strike after voting against a “discriminatory” holiday policy affecting black and asian workers.

The abandoned policy, which the United Voices of the World (UVW) union described as “draconian”, limited workers’ holidays to a maximum of two weeks, restricting their ability to take time off to visit their families abroad.

Following discussions, workers will now be allowed to take up to three weeks of holiday throughout the year.

Agnelo Fernandes, a Harrods night cleaner and UVW member, said: “We are happy that we won this ballot. 

“We are all united, every one of us. UVW helped us so much, we are grateful.

“Every one of us is very happy that we have taken a great step.”

Harrods’ facilities workers received notification of the guidelines in June, leaving those who had already paid for their flights scrambling to cancel or change their plans.

The policy would have particularly impacted the diverse workforce of cleaners, UVW said, many of whom have family in Asia and Africa, including places as far as Goa and the Philippines. 

Harrods, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary this year, insisted that the policy was not new, but an enforcement of existing policy.

A spokesman said: “Over the past couple of weeks, we have worked closely with our colleagues in the store services division, listening to and addressing their concerns to ensure the best resolution for all involved.”

Initially, UVW claimed that the luxury company ignored the workers’ complaints when raised through the union. A spokesman from Harrods said it would not engage with UVW as it is not recognised by the company.

Petros Elia, general secretary for UVW, said:  “It would seem this was a clear case of discrimination against migrant workers, who have always been able to take extended holidays to visit their families. 

“The abandoned policy could have led to an absurd and unconscionable situation where none of the facilities’ workers would be able to spend sufficient time with their families who live overseas.”

Mr Elia said the dispute highlights a broader issue of how multi million-pound companies “undermine the welfare of their migrant workforce”.

This is UVW’s fourth victory in defending workers’ rights at the store following earlier wins that secured tips and substantial pay raises for waiting and kitchen staff. Around 95 per cent of the cleaners at Harrods are UVW members.

Pictured top: Harrods migrant workers (Picture: UVW)