“This strike is our message: we are organised, we are proud, and we will not be intimidated into silence any longer.”
From the United Voices of the World
Concierges and cleaners at the exclusive West End Quay development in Paddington are set to begin an 11-day strike on Friday 19th September, their third walkout in two years in a bitter dispute over pay, conditions, and systemic bullying.
The striking staff – members of the trade union United Voices of the World (UVW) – will walk out every day until 29th September. The action will severely disrupt services for residents of the plush complex, where apartments sell for millions.
The workers – who are overwhelmingly migrant and Black and brown – and are also fighting against “bullying bosses”, surveillance, and the attempted imposition of a performance related pay scheme.
Also on the list of demands is a pay increase in line with inflation, equal sick pay and holiday entitlement for all staff, one week’s paid compassionate leave, and a two-week annual bonus.
This strike marks an escalation in a dispute that began a year ago and has seen workers:
- File complaints with the Information Commissioner’s Office over unlawful surveillance and the failure of WEQ to register with the ICO.
- Lodge individual and group employment tribunal claims.
- Trigger an investigation by the Employment Standards Inspectorate into the unlawful provision of agency workers to break a previous strike.
Franco Lombardo, union representative and concierge of 23 years says:
“The workers at WEQ want to make our workplace better; with clear and constructive dialogue we can do this but so far this has not proved possible and we’ve been left with no choice but to walk out. We are tired of being disrespected and treated like we are nothing. This strike is our message: we are organised, we are proud, and we will not be intimidated into silence any longer. We are fighting for what is fair, and we will win. We are calling on residents and the public to support our fight for fairness.”
Petos Elia, General Secretary of UVW union, says:
“The resolve of these workers is nothing short of inspirational. For the third time, they are forced to walk out simply to demand dignity, respect and equality – things that should be a given in any civilised workplace. They are not asking for the moon; they are asking for the bare minimum. Their fight is a beacon for all low-paid migrant workers across London who are sick and tired of poverty pay and bullying bosses. UVW stands with them unwaveringly. The message to the employer is clear: meet these reasonable demands or face a sustained and growing wave of disruption.”
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- This article is taken from a press release published by UVW on 10/9/2025.
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