Strike-Leading Trade Union Office ‘Targeted’ in Break-In with Laptops and Valuables Stolen – Byline Times

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ReportageA Hostile EnvironmentStrike-Leading Trade Union Office ‘Targeted’ in Break-In with Laptops and Valuables Stolen The union believes it “may have been a targeted break-in, possibly

linked to corporate espionage”

Josiah Mortimer13 January 2025The union’s ransacked office. Photo: UVW Your support matters:

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SUBSCRIBE A trade union representing migrant and ethnic minority workers has suffered a “devastating” break-in to its London HQ, with electronic equipment stolen. 

United Voices of the World’s (UVW) Bethnal Green office was burgled in the early hours of Friday morning, with laptops and essential equipment stolen, the union says. The small, grassroots

union had around 3,500 members as of 2023, but has seen a surge in activity over the past year, leading strikes of outsourced workers in the capital. 

The theft comes as UVW leads strikes at prominent London museums in the capital. The union believes it was targeted, as the office is in a shared building with dozens of other progressive

organisations based there. 

The break-in saw valuables worth several thousands of pounds stolen, “directly threatening the union’s ability to support its members and coordinate vital campaigns.”

Don’t miss a storySIGN UP TO EMAIL UPDATES Activists say the theft comes at a critical time, as UVW “fights on multiple fronts” with hundreds of outsourced security guards at the Science

Museum, Natural History Museum, and Victoria and Albert Museum, due to strike this week. 

Petros Elia, general secretary for UVW, said: “This break-in is not just a theft, it’s an attack on our mission and the workers we fight for every day. While the loss of essential resources

and sensitive information is a setback, we remain undeterred. 

“The security guards on strike, the workers at Harrods and all our members depend on us to support their fight for dignity, equality, and respect. We will not let this stop us. UVW is

urgently calling on supporters and the public to stand in solidarity during this difficult time. 

“Contributions are needed to replace stolen equipment and ensure that vital campaigns, including the museum strike and the Harrods dispute, continue without disruption.”

There is no suggestion that Harrods or London museum employees were involved in the break-in. 

UPDATEUnions Fear Big Business Will use Consultations to ‘Water Down’ new Workers Rights The Employment Rights Bill continues to face huge opposition from some employers

Josiah Mortimer A spokesperson for the union added that the offices were “ransacked” by five people. 

“We believe this may have been a targeted break-in, possibly linked to corporate espionage. CCTV footage shows two individuals carrying out a well-planned, professional operation. 

“At around 1am, they used large crowbars to break through three doors and spent only a few minutes in the office, leaving most valuables untouched. This raises serious questions about their

intentions.

“What’s even more suspicious is that UVW shares its building (Pelican House) with over 50 other organisations across six floors. Despite this, our office was the only one targeted, even

though others would have been easier to access in many ways,” they said. 

One of the doors the thieves broke. Photo: UVW The union says that around 5am, the office was broken into again, this time by three people.

“These individuals may have been opportunists who spotted the broken gate and decided to take advantage, or they could have heard rumours on the street about an office left open to looting,”

the union spokesperson told this outlet. 

The union is asking for donations to help replace stolen equipment and “ensure campaigns for dignity and equality continue.”

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A spokesperson for the Met Police told Byline Times: “Police were called at 12:08hrs on Friday, 10 January of reports of a burglary on Cambridge Heath Road, E1. 

“Officers attended the scene at Pelican House, where up to three suspects were alleged to have forced entry and stolen items from the United Voices of the World office on two separate

occasions, whilst damaging the property to gain access.

“Items alleged to have been stolen include 10-15 laptops, five mobile phones and two portable speakers.

“No injuries were reported and no arrests have been made as of yet. Police are investigating CCTV and forensic evidence. Enquiries are ongoing.”

United Voices of the World began with a small group of Latin American cleaners in 2014. The union has been involved in several significant industrial disputes over the past decade, including

industrial action at the London School of Economics, which resulted in major changes to outsourcing arrangements for cleaning staff. 

Similar wins were achieved following disputes at St Mary’s Hospital (part of Imperial College Healthcare Trust) and Great Ormond Street Hospital.

The union also launched what it describes as the first case arguing that outsourcing Black, brown, and migrant workers at inferior wages compared to in-house workers who are mostly white

constitutes institutional and unlawful race discrimination. This case, involving Royal Parks workers, is currently going through the appeals process in the courts. 

from JOSIAH

Josiah Mortimer also writes the On the Ground column, exclusive to the print edition of Byline Times.

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that Josiah was a freelancer, and worked for the Electoral Reform Society, the independent democracy group. Josiah reports on UK cronyism, the constitution, and campaigning. He also writes

Byline Times’ monthly On the Ground column in print. If you have a political story that needs reporting, get in touch: [email protected] article was filed underActivism, Trade

Unions

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