Dismore supports SOAS cleaners campaign

Andrew Dismore AM with Will Armston-Sheret, Chair of SOAS Labour Club

Andrew Dismore AM with Will Armston-Sheret, Chair of SOAS Labour Club

J4C campaigners with Andrew Dismore AM outside the SOAS Campus

J4C campaigners with Andrew Dismore AM outside the SOAS Campus

Labour London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden Andrew Dismore AM has announced his support for the Justice for Cleaners campaign (J4C) at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS). The campaign aims to convince the university authorities to bring the cleaning services back in-house, as well as support strengthening union representation and workers’ rights.

 

Mr Dismore said:

 

‘As a lifelong campaigner for workers’ rights, I am supportive of the J4C campaign at SOAS. Cleaners are often the lowest paid staff, with the worst pay and working conditions. Privatisation is always followed by a weakened ability to represent the workforce, and in this case it has gone too far.’

 

‘With the national minimum wage rising, I cannot see that there is any financial benefit to an outsourced cleaning service. In fact I fail to see how this service can be provided at a lower cost, and contain any profit margin. SOAS is a great university who equality and fairness. I hope they will consider the views of the strong campaign being run by students and staff.’

 

A recent report by the Association of Public Service Excellence (APSE) found that the university would save around £2 million over 5 years by insourcing rather than outsourcing to a single provider. It would also save £1 million compared to scheme to share the service with three other institutions.

 

The J4C campaign, which is supported by the local UNISON trade union branch, received the support of over 200 academics. Will Armston-Sheret, chair of the SOAS Labour Club said:

 

‘There is near universal support from the staff, students and academics at the university to bring the service back in house. We appreciate how hard the cleaners work, and we feel it’s our duty to speak up to ensure they are treated fairly. Given this is the most cost effective method of delivering the service, it seems a no-brainer.’

 

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