WeWork–CCM: Cleaners Reinstated Following CAIWU Campaign Against Dismissals
In 2019, CAIWU successfully challenged the dismissal of outsourced cleaners at WeWork. Through industrial action, trade union solidarity and public pressure, the campaign secured their rehiring.
In 2019, CAIWU launched a campaign against WeWork and its cleaning contractor, CCM, after cleaners were dismissed for joining the union.
The dismissals exposed the vulnerability of outsourced workers and raised serious concerns about the power companies can exercise over workers they do not directly employ.
CAIWU demanded that the dismissed members be given their jobs back.
Dismissed for Joining a Trade Union
The cleaners were employed by CCM, which provided cleaning services at WeWork offices in London.
Their dismissals for joining CAIWU represented a direct attack on their right to organise and defend their interests collectively.
The dispute also highlighted the problems associated with outsourcing, where workers are employed by contractors while the companies benefiting from their labour can influence decisions affecting their employment.
CAIWU held both CCM and WeWork responsible for the treatment of the cleaners and refused to accept that outsourcing could be used to avoid accountability.
Industrial Action and Trade Union Solidarity
CAIWU organised protests and industrial action outside WeWork premises in London, including locations in Shoreditch and No. 1 Poultry, near Bank.
Members and supporters demanded the reinstatement of the dismissed cleaners and called on WeWork and CCM to address the injustice.
During the strike, Unite the Union joined CAIWU in solidarity, supporting the campaign and demonstrating the importance of cooperation between trade unions in defending workers' rights.
The demonstrations brought public attention to the dispute and increased pressure on the companies involved.
A Victory for the Workers
Following sustained campaigning, industrial action and public pressure, the campaign was successful, and all the dismissed cleaners were rehired.
The outcome represented an important victory for CAIWU members, who stood together to challenge their dismissals and defend their right to organise.
The campaign demonstrated that collective action and solidarity can deliver results, even when workers face powerful companies and complex outsourcing arrangements.
The WeWork–CCM victory remains an important part of CAIWU's history and a reminder that workers can successfully challenge injustice when they organise together.
No worker should lose their livelihood for joining a trade union. Outsourcing must never be an excuse for denying workers their rights.
Watch our campaign video here: Video
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. For more information, please contact:
William Santin
CAIWU Communications admin
Cleaners and Allied Independent Workers Union
88 Fleet Street, London EC4Y 1DH
