Yellow fist of protest

The scourge of inequality was highlighted yesterday (July 15) on the 27th anniversary of International Justice Day – putting the spotlight on low wages and poor work conditions for cleaners and security staff – and recognises their significant contribution to society.

Organised by the international trade union group Uniglobal – to which Unite is affiliated – and which represents millions of cleaners and security workers across the globe, says its unacceptable that those who guard and clean for the wealthy do not have enough to provide properly for their families.

Outside Unite’s Holborn centre, Unite cleaners and security members gathered to join in the yellow glove protest. They joined thousands in similar actions all over the world. In raising fists with cleaning gloves and keys the union members all united to demand respect, living wages and just workloads for cleaners and security guards.

Reality

The unacceptable reality is that a cleaner would have to work around 1,000 years to earn what the average CEO banker receives including bonuses.

“The International Day of Justice is a day when we put on the yellow glove which has grown to symbolize our global solidarity with cleaners and security guards,” said Uniglobal general secretary, Philip Jennings.

He added, “These are the invisible workers who provide vital services which are not recognised by the companies who employ them or the governments who should legislate to protect them.

“We have to take a stand for these workers and demand change. Today we will be out on the streets, with our yellow gloved hands raised in protest and support of cleaners and security guards. Words are not enough – we call for decent safe, work and fair pay.”

Unite national officer Rhys McCarthy joined the Unite members’ protest. “Cleaners and security guards are the people that keep our offices and factories clean, safe and operating,” he said.

“Without them business would grind to a halt. Yet they are undervalued and underpaid. It is long overdue that this situation changed. Unite supports decent work for all and we are proud that our members are taking part in the Uniglobal international event.”

For more on international justice day see here

Pics by Mark Thomas