Cleaners and attendants at the Royal Parks working for Just Ask Services are on strike from the 1 October to the 31 October 2021.
They have already taken 16 solidly supported days of strike action. They are striking to achieve equal pay and conditions with staff directly employed by the Royal Parks.
We are crowdfunding for their strike fund so that they can stay out and win that equality.
In May 2021, the Royal Parks awarded the Public Toilets and Buildings Cleaning contract to Just Ask Services on a tender that along with job cuts, means staff would receive statutory minimum:
- sick pay,
- maternity pay,
- annual leave, and,
- pension entitlement.
In contrast directly employed Royal Parks' staff enjoy full pay when sick, employer funded maternity pay and far better paid holiday and pension entitlement.
Covid-19 has amplified the effects of the Royal Parks’ two-tier working conditions. The predominately black and migrant cleaners and playground attendants have continued to attend their workplace throughout the pandemic to provide clean, green spaces for the health and wellbeing of park users, despite the personal risk to themselves and their families.
As low-wage earners, it is unfair that they have borne the brunt of the pandemic, with no option to work from home, no occupational sick pay, and the threat of redundancy.
PCS and UVW members are determined for the Royal Parks and Just Ask to recognise their hard work and dedication and end the discrimination by providing equal employment terms.
We appreciate any contribution you can afford.
Thank you for your solidarity!