PCS cleaners win hero pay in London

Essential workers and their unions across Europe are organising for a society in which they have #EssentialRights.

Cleaners have been at the forefront of efforts to contain the Covid-19 pandemic. They deserve the pay, safety and respect to work and live in dignity.

Yet, we know that many clients cut costs, even when that means cutting corners on workers' conditions and pay. In London, cleaners came together in their union PCS to challenge that. By building collective power, they were able to win a hero pay bonus of ₤1200 (equivalent to €1350).

This key example also highlights the importance of improving public procurement requirements. Public money must not be used to drive working people's conditions down. Instead, unions are pushing for public contracts to work towards improving conditions across whole sectors.