Co-leader of the Green Party Jonathan Bartley has urged Ferrari dealership HR Owen to reinstate cleaning staff suspended for joining a union [1].
Cleaners at the Ferrari showroom in Kensington were suspended after registering with United Voices of the World Union and demanding that they be paid at least the London Living Wage.
In a letter [2] sent to both HR Owen and Templewood Cleaning Bartley called on the companies to reinstate the workers.
Bartley said:
“Everyone deserves a living wage. But the cleaners' current wage of £7.50 per hour – which the Conservative Government has disingenuously branded a 'living wage' – falls far short of what they need to survive.
“No one should be forced to choose between heating their homes or putting food on the table because wages simply don't cover both. It is unacceptable that those who perform the vital function of cleaning your showrooms, which have an annual turnover of £400 million selling luxury cars to London's elite, are in that position.
“I urge you to sit down with UVW and resolve this dispute to ensure justice and dignity for your cleaners.”
Notes:
2. Full letter:
Dear Denis (HR Owen) and Sharon (Templewood),
I am writing to urge you to rethink the decision to suspend without pay the cleaners of HR Owen's Ferrari and Maserati showrooms in South Kensington.
It appears they have been suspended because they have joined a union - United Voices of the World (UVW) - and threatened to exercise their right to strike, having returned a 100% Yes vote to take strike action just a few days ago over your refusal to pay the London Living Wage.
You will be aware that every worker has a right to join a trade union and to take lawful industrial action. Likewise, they have a right not to be victimised for their trade union membership or activities. I therefore call on you to respect these basic rights and immediately reinstate them.
Everyone deserves a living wage. But the cleaners' current wage of £7.50 per hour – which the Conservative Government has disingenuously branded a 'living wage' – falls far short of what they need to survive.
No one should be forced to choose between heating their homes or putting food on the table because wages simply don't cover both. It is unacceptable that those who perform the vital function of cleaning your showrooms, which have an annual turnover of £400 million selling luxury cars to London's elite, are in that position.
The London Living Wage of £9.75 per hour reflects what employees and their families really need to survive. It is HR Owen’s responsibility to ensure all their outsourced contracts guarantee staff receive at least the London Living Wage.
I urge you to sit down with UVW and resolve this dispute to ensure justice and dignity for your cleaners.
Thank you for your consideration.