From the UNISON website and other Unison sources:
Today is World Day for Decent Work and there is a demonstration at 12:30-1:30 in front of Technopark building, London South Bank University, London Road SE1 6LN (nearest tube Elephant and Castle) as the cleaners are campaigning for the London Living Wage.
“We, the cleaners at London South Bank University are employed by Interserve. We work to keep the university’s buildings and premises clean and free from hazards for all students, staff and visitors. Our contribution is undervalued by Interserve and by London South Bank University. We are in precarious employment, paid only £5.93 p/h (£6.08 p/h from 1 October) and we do not get paid when we are sick and unable to come to work.
World Day for Decent Work is a global occasion for trade unionists to mobilise and show solidarity with poorly paid workers. It is a day when trade unions all over the world stand up for decent work and conditions. We demand that all workers be paid a decent wage – a living wage that will help us live and not just exist.
Please support our action:
- Join our protest rally, 7 October 2011, 12:30-1:30pm in front of Technopark building, London South Bank University, London Road SE1 6LN
- Sign our petition: www.petitionbuzz.com/
petitions/livingwageatlsbu - Write to the LSBU vice-chancellor, the board of governors, deans of LSBU faculties and lobby your MP and councillors in Southwark.
Contact UNISON LSBU branch:
- Jonathan Buckner 07749 403 351 bucknerj[at]lsbu.ac.uk
- Samuel 0793 293 7478
- Noursaid 0750 737 3759
Interserve, the cleaning contractor in South bank University has now threatened disciplinary actions against activists among the cleaners for organising or attending the demo, so it is really important that lots of people go on Friday. As well as Interserve threatening disciplinaries against any cleaners who take part in the demo, the university is now threatening the union for having organised the protest. UNISON has been campaigning successfully for London Universities to pay at least the London Living Wage, including ensuring that contracted out staff are paid at least this much – London South Bank University are holding out against this campaign, which is why the demonstration has been called.