Zarah ChoudharyGMB Union, which represents members employed as cleaners at the Old Bailey (Central Criminal Court), has won a temporary reprieve for staff due to be outsourced.
Cleaning staff were due to be transferred to contractor OCS on 1st March.
GMB argued that outsourced staff were at risk of worse pay and conditions than directly employed colleagues, and that OCS has a track record of poor working practices.
After GMB raised concerns about the transfer at a recent Joint Consultative Committee (JCC) meeting, the City of London Corporation agreed to look at the proposal again.
Among the concerns raised were the speed of the transfer and the potential impact on the working conditions and job security of staff.
Anna Lee, regional organiser at GMB, said: “Staff were given very little warning that their employment would be transferred.
“Many members have worked at the Old Bailey for years and they felt betrayed by how they could be discarded so easily.
“At the JCC, we raised fundamental concerns about how this process has been conducted. “The speed of this transfer gave the staff no opportunity to consider their options.
“We are glad the City have paused the process, but we urge them to go further – scrap the transfer and stop outsourcing services to companies like OCS who treat the staff poorly.”
A GMB member said: “We want the City of London to stop this transfer.
“Many of us have been here for many years, and they shouldn’t be treating us like this.”
A City of London Corporation spokesperson said: “The proposed transfer to OCS would have a range of benefits, including improved cleaning services and access to industry best practice.
“As a responsible employer, the proposed move is fair and compliant with industry standards, and fully adheres to the legal obligations and protections provided by TUPE regulations.
“Cleaning staff and Trade Unions are being consulted and TUPE regulations ensure that all employees retain their current terms and conditions of permanent employment, including salary, working hours, length of service and holiday entitlements.
“There are no plans for redundancies and staff will continue to deliver the cleaning service to the Central Criminal Court without interruption.
“Employees who are members of the Local Government Pension Scheme will remain in the pension scheme and continue to accumulate benefits under their existing LGPS arrangements with all rights and future benefits legally protected.”
