13. Migrant workers taking action
home manager and administrator resigned before they could be dismissed. Workers who had previously been refused holiday and shift changes found their requests granted without hesitation.“ I was so proud of them,” the organiser said.“ They had done something that no one thought possible.”
Standing firm against the agency
Another battle came from the recruitment agency that had charged workers up to £ 14,000 each to come to the UK. As soon as the grievance was raised, the agency began phoning workers to dissuade them, offering money and promises of help if they backed down. The organiser warned them:“ Why do you think they’ re doing that? Because they’ re scared. And why are they scared? Because they’ ve done something wrong. You shouldn’ t be scared- they should.” She told the workers not to answer calls and reminded them that the pressure was a sign of their own strength.
When the agency persisted, the organiser phoned them directly:“ You are not their employer. You are not their union. This is harassment.” She reminded them they were registered in the UK and subject to British law. The harassment stopped.
Victory
By the end, the workers had won every one of their demands. They had removed abusive managers, reinstated colleagues, and secured lasting improvements in their treatment.“ They won. They were so lovely to organise,” the organiser reflected. Gopal became a union rep and another worker began training. As she told them:“ You’ ve proven you can come together, be strong and brave, and fix things. Stick together for the future.”
This was not just a victory for one group of workers. It showed that even the most vulnerable migrant workers, dependent on their employer for their right to stay in the country, could overcome fear, build unity, and win.
Key issues highlighted by the case
• Discrimination inside the workforce: Indian migrant workers were singled out for discipline, denied holidays, and forced onto night shifts, while Nigerian staff connected to the home manager were given privileges. Racial divisions were used deliberately by management to keep workers fearful and divided.
• Exploitation by recruitment agencies: Workers were illegally charged up to £ 14,000 by an agency for recruitment to the UK. The agency tried to intimidate workers into dropping their grievance, offering money and false promises of support. The organiser challenged the agency and inoculated the workers against their influence.
• Fear linked to visa status: the workers’ right to remain depended on their jobs. This made them especially vulnerable and fearful of standing up to abuse. The
74 LRD • Supporting migrant workers