A UNION leader who cleaned the offices of some of the biggest City of London financial institutions is taking his ex-bosses to an employment tribunal, alleging union victimisation and unfair dismissal.

The one-week hearing, which began today, follows claims from Luis Valencia Maffei that contractor Regent Office Care subjected him to “racist abuse, vexatious disciplinaries and dangerous working conditions” amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr Maffei, who is president of the Cleaners and Allied Independent Workers Union (CAIWU), said managers wanted to get rid of him due to “union troublemaking” after he demanded correct personal protective equipment and cold-weather equipment for outdoor staff.