Victory at SOAS in cleaners' deportation fight

Protestors from UCU, UNISON and the students' union had occupied the university to protest against managers' attacks on migrant workers and held a rally outside the institution today.
 
Nine cleaners from the university were taken into detention after a dawn raid by immigration police on Friday. The cleaners had won a pay rise to earn the London living wage, and trade union representation, after a successful 'Justice for Cleaners' campaign. The campaigners against the cleaners' deportation said they believed the raid was the managers' 'revenge' for the successful campaign.
 
UCU general secretary, Sally Hunt, said: 'UCU has proudly supported the cleaners in their fight against deportation. We believe it is incredibly worrying that successful trade union activity has appeared to lead to bully employers seeking to exact revenge. Migrant workers are the most vulnerable workers in the country; often used illegally and exploited horrifically and need our support. Everyone involved in the protest must be congratulated for their hard work and such a great result; a fine example of what can be achieved through solidarity.'
 
The full joint statement from SOAS and the students' union:

Dear staff and students,

Following the protest by students about Friday's visit by the UK Border Agency, we are pleased to confirm that a way forward has been agreed by all parties involved.

The events surrounding last Friday have been deeply distressing for everyone at SOAS and in particular the individuals who were detained. Furthermore, we are disturbed by allegations that have emerged about the possible role that ISS played in the visit.

We have agreed the following:

1. SOAS will write directly to the Home Secretary within 12 hours of the end of the protest, requesting that he grants exceptional leave to remain in the UK those cleaners who are still being detained. In addition, SOAS will request the immediate return of those who have been deported and exceptional leave to remain for those forced into hiding by Friday's raid.
2. SOAS will open discussions with ISS, and separately with UNISON, UCU and the SU, to review in detail the events of last Friday.
3. SOAS will discuss the possibility of bringing cleaning services in-house at the next scheduled meeting of its Governing Body.
4. SOAS will meet with the relevant unions to discuss health and safety issues relating to immigration raids and acknowledge UCU's policy of non-compliance with immigration raids.
5. SOAS will not take action against those involved in the protest.