CONCIERGES and cleaners at a luxury residential development in west London pressed on with strike action today in a dispute over pay and conditions.

Staff at West End Quay apartments are due to end their 10-day walkout next Monday.

Their union, United Voices of the World (UVW), says that a pay rise has been secured following eight hours of talks mediated by conciliation service Acas, but that management at West End Quay RTM told workers at the last minute that they must sign a new contract or forfeit the deal. 

According to UVW, the new contract includes clauses that would allow the employer to unilaterally change hours and pay, impose mandatory overtime and conduct searches of staff and their possessions on the pretext of preventing theft. 

The union claims that the contract bans additional breaks for prayer and includes other unlawful breaches of statutory rights, which UVW warns are incompatible with its recognition deal and employment law. 

Concierge Sunny said: “The pay deal we agreed was fair, but at the last minute they tried to impose a new draconian contract — giving the company sweeping control over our lives. 

“They can cut our pay, change our rotas and search our belongings or even our cars. 

“This culture of bullying and surveillance has created a hostile atmosphere, making the job feel more like working in a prison than providing a service to tenants who rely on us.” 

A West End Quay RTM spokesperson said: “While we strongly disagree with many of the claims being made, we believe it would be inappropriate to address specific allegations publicly while discussions are still under way.

“We continue to engage with the union in good faith, with the aim of reaching a fair resolution for everyone involved.”

“Throughout this process, our focus has been on clearly defining roles, improving pay and ensuring that any changes are introduced transparently and in full compliance with legal and regulatory standards.”