Capita–Mitie: 10 Years of Fighting Racism and Low Pay
In 2026, CAIWU marked 10 years since its campaign challenging racial discrimination and fighting for the London Living Wage for cleaners employed by Mitie at Capita.
In 2026, CAIWU marked the 10-year anniversary of its campaign at Capita, where cleaners employed by Mitie stood together against racial discrimination and low pay.
The campaign began in 2016, when CAIWU supported members facing discrimination based on their skin tone and demanding fair wages, including the London Living Wage.
The dispute highlighted the unequal treatment experienced by cleaners and the importance of collective organising in challenging discrimination and defending workers' rights.
Ten years later, CAIWU revisited the campaign through archival photographs and videos, bringing renewed attention to the experiences of the workers involved and the issues they fought to address.
The anniversary was not simply about remembering the past. It was an opportunity to recognise the courage and resilience of members who stood up against injustice and to highlight the continuing struggle against racism, discrimination and low pay in the cleaning industry.
By preserving and sharing this history, CAIWU aims to ensure that workers' experiences are not forgotten and that employers remain accountable for how cleaners are treated.
Ten years on, the message remains the same: racism, discrimination and low pay have no place in any workplace.
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
