University of the Arts London hit by further cleaner strikes

Two demonstrations are planned as part of two days of strike action by outsourced cleaners at the university

Cleaners employed by OCS at University of the Arts London (UAL) will be taking two days of strike action this week on Thursday 30 November and Friday 1 December.

Striking workers will demonstrate on Thursday, as follows:

• 7-9am outside UAL Camberwell, SE5 8UF
• 6-8pm outside Millbank Tower Podium, SW1P 4QP

The dispute centres around staffing levels, with the service employing 5 fewer cleaners than when they took over the contract, as well as pay and terms and conditions, which are inferior to directly employed staff.

The action follows a week of strike action in October.

Clive Smith, GMB Regional Organiser said:

“These workers have already taken one week of strike action and still nothing has changed.

“They have no choice therefore but to escalate their action and take two further days this week.

“GMB’s message is simple and remains the same – our members will be in dispute with their employer until OCS recognise that their workers are understaffed, underpaid and receive unequal treatment.

“UAL themselves may be prepared to turn a blind eye to the actions of OCS, but GMB will not and we are determined that our members win the pay, terms and conditions they deserve.”