CLEANERS at the prestigious James Allen’s Girls School (JAG) in London are preparing to vote on strike action.

The migrant workers, who are members of United Voices of the World (UVW) union, were told by the school’s contractor DB Services (DBS) in May that cuts to their working hours and changes to contracts would take effect imminently without consultation.

The cleaners are demanding a halt to the changes, the implementation of sick pay and a commitment for pay to remain at the London Living Wage. 

The union said that DBS responded that sick pay is “economically unachievable.” 

UVW estimates that the savings made by the proposed cuts amount to £20,000, while JAG’s income is £25 million a year.

The strike ballot opens on Monday.

Cleaner Gloria Chalaco said: “We are ready to strike because losing five weeks of work per year is deeply unfair.

“We can't just find another job to make up for such a significant income loss, especially with scattered weeks off throughout the year. Our bills and rent don’t stop.”

DBS has been contacted for comment.