Normally in Paddington, in private developments and Mansion blocks we have disputes between leaseholders and their Management Committees over the level of service charges in their blocks for annual services and major repairs but this is the first time l have come across a dispute between the staff and the management agents of the blocks themselves.

On Tuesday morning as l cycled along Praed St, l come across a picket line over a dispute between cleaners and concierge staff and their management company at West End Quay organised by UVW which l hope the residents, leaseholders and neighbourhood take note.

Striking is always a last resort for staff as it involves a financial sacrifice but with a a complete breakdown of negotiations and deterioration of industrial relations, it is not surprising in this instance. The dispute covers a whole range of issues including inflation-linked pay; unconditional harmonisation of leave and sick pay; full withdrawal of performance related pay(PRP); cctv monitoring; disciplinary hearing reform and review of standard operational procedures. 

It makes me realise that even in disputes on Mansion blocks occupants with their management agents as we have plenty of them in W2 & W9, there will undoubtedly be a labour dispute in the background as well. And well done to United Voice of Workers, the new kids on the Union block for representing low paid, migrant and precarious workers.