A workers union in the UK has staged a protest at a London law firm after it says a cleaner was sacked for eating a tuna sandwich.
According to the United Voices of the World (UVW), single mother Gabriela Rodriguez had her employment terminated before Christmas by cleaning contractor Total Clean because she ate a leftover sandwich worth about $3 that was due to be thrown out.
“Gabriela is an Ecuadorian single mother who after two years cleaning the offices of a corporate law firm was summarily sacked just before Christmas on grounds of ‘theft’,” UVW said.
“The ‘theft’ in question (was) a £1.50 Tesco tuna sandwich that she ate which was left over from a lawyers meeting, and was due to be discarded.
“Sacking cleaners on ridiculous grounds like this – treating them like the dirt they clean – is not uncommon though is always outrageous.”
The union staged a protest last week at the law firm whose offices Rodriguez cleaned, Devonshires Solicitors, leaving 300 tuna sandwiches at reception before “bowling with tuna cans” on the street outside.
It called for Rodriguez to be reinstated and compensated for “unfair and inhumane treatment”.
It says the firm’s CEO and a senior partner agreed to hold a meeting with the UVW over the matter.
The union said it is taking the case to court.
A spokesperson for Total Clean told the Guardian: “While we would not typically comment on personnel issues, we would like to address the misleading and inaccurate information that is being alleged by our ex-employee. It is important to us to maintain the integrity of our workforce and service by ensuring we deal appropriately with any actions that undermine the hard work and reputation of our incredible team who conduct themselves impeccably. Trust and honesty is of paramount importance.
“All steps taken have been in accordance with UK employment law following the proper investigative and disciplinary process. We will be making no further comment on the matter.”
A Devonshires Solicitors spokesperson said: “Devonshires did not make a formal complaint against Gabriela and expressly told Total Clean not to take any action against her. Total Clean carried out their own investigation and the decision to dismiss Gabriela was taken without any input or influence from Devonshires whatsoever.
“This is a private matter between Total Clean and Gabriela but we have made clear to Total Clean that we would not object – as we never have done – to Gabriela attending and working on our premises if Total Clean changes its position.”
