SOAS cleaning staff to strike over pay and conditions

Cleaning staff at the School of Oriental and African Studies have voted in favour of two-day strike action over sick pay, holiday allocation and pensions.

The cleaners, who work for the outsource company ISS, say they are fighting for the same 30-day holiday entitlement, contractual sick pay and “defined benefits pension scheme” as in-house SOAS staff.

Complaints that the university failed to heat buildings in which cleaners were operating over the Christmas holidays have deepened this dispute.

Ruth Levin, a regional organiser for UNISON said the vote was a “wake-up call".

"Our members shouldn’t be unable to pay their rent if they happen to be ill,” she said

The contractor ISS said they were “disappointed the ballot action has been taken, especially as less than 50 per cent of our people based at SOAS voted in favour.”

“We remain committed to finding a resolution and continue our discussions with all relevant parties.”

A UNISON representative responded that 90 per cent of ISS staff were union members, and of the 62 per cent who received and returned ballot forms, 100 per cent voted for strike action. He explained that there had been problems getting ballot papers to all members due to changes of address.

A SOAS spokesperson acknowledged the strike, adding: "We are aware that ISS is committed to finding a resolution and is continuing discussions with all relevant parties."

The cleaners say they have not been contacted by ISS.