Unite Deputation to Greenwich Councillors

Camila, Theresa, Comfort, Julie and Yvette were the five workers from Sanctuary Care who visited Councillor Babatola on Saturday 6th July as part of Unite's campaign to scupper Sanctaury's attempt to cut their terms and conditions. They were the five incredibles, five women who refuse to accept the claims of their employer that they must accept inferior terms and conditions. These women are not on their own and they lead a much larger group of angry and determined workers. 

See the photos here.

When these workers were transferred over to the private sector some years ago they were told that their terms and conditions would be protected under the law. Unfortunately these same workers are now learning that the only real protection they have lies in their own hands. Greenwich council is responsible for outsourcing the management of homes in the borough to Sanctuary. This is why Unite is calling on the Council to put pressure on Sanctuary not to impose these changes and to continue to negotiate with union. 

Unite first wrote to the Council back in May and as we received no reply we followed that up with two reminders in June but still no reply so we decided to take the email to Councillor Babatola's surgery in person as he works closely with the cabinet councillor responsible for adult social care. Julie explained the explained the backdrop and the others added their bit too. As one worker said "how would you feel if they were cutting your terms and conditions in the same way". We also read out the email orginally sent in May to make sure the councillor had clearly understood the seriousness of the issue. Labour Coincillor Babatola said that he would have to take advice before contacting Sanctuary. It was then pointed out to him quite firmly that that is precisely why we had come to see him....to advise him about the attacks that this group of workers were suffering from their employer! Now we needed the council to act! Kamila pointed out that she had always voted Labour because she thought that they were supported working people. 

Before we left we mad the councillor promise to take up this issue and respond to us promptly. To date we have had one brief reply to tell us that the council will get back to us as soon as possible. We will be visiting them again soon to remind them of their responsibility. The workers at Sanctuary Care in Greenwich continue their fight for justice and Unite will support them all the way.

17th July 2019