CAIWU Stops Proposed Rotation of Cleaners at King's Chelsea
A successful campaign defending established working arrangements after cleaners challenged proposed changes to their workplace allocations without meaningful consultation.
CAIWU successfully stopped the proposed rotation of cleaners at King's Chelsea in London, securing written confirmation from King's Chelsea Estate Management Limited (KCEML) that members would retain their existing working areas, allocations and duties.
The victory followed CAIWU's intervention on behalf of workers who had challenged plans to move them between different buildings and working areas.
Challenging Unfair Changes to Working Arrangements
Some cleaners at King's Chelsea had worked in their established areas for six years or longer before management proposed introducing a rotation system.
Workers raised concerns about the lack of meaningful consultation and reported being pressured to accept the changes.
CAIWU intervened, challenged the proposals and demanded that management withdraw the rotation, defending members' established working arrangements and their right to be consulted about changes affecting their jobs.
Management Withdraws the Proposed Rotation
Following CAIWU's intervention, KCEML confirmed in writing that the proposed rotation would not be implemented at this stage.
The company also confirmed that cleaners would continue working in their existing areas, with their current allocations and duties maintained.
Importantly, KCEML committed to communicating any future proposed changes in advance and following an appropriate consultation process. It also confirmed that workers would not face adverse treatment for engaging in lawful trade union activities.
These written commitments secured the immediate outcome CAIWU members had demanded and established clear expectations for how any future proposals should be handled.
A Victory for Collective Organisation
The King's Chelsea campaign demonstrates the importance of workers standing together to challenge decisions affecting their working lives.
By raising their concerns collectively and securing CAIWU's intervention, members successfully defended arrangements they had maintained for years.
The outcome reinforces a fundamental principle: workers deserve a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their employment, and their concerns must be taken seriously.
Established working arrangements should not be changed without proper consultation. When workers organise together, they can successfully defend their rights.
Note to editors:
CAIWU is a representative trade union for cleaners and allied independent workers, advocating for fair labour practices and workers' rights. The general secretary is Alberto Durango.
Media enquiries
William Santin
CAIWU Communications admin
Cleaners and Allied Independent Workers Union
88 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1DH
