Gabriela Rodriguez, a cleaner contracted through Total Clean, was recently discharged. She was accused of stealing a sandwich from the lunchroom of Devonshires Solicitors. The incident happened just before her shift was over, prompting debates about the enforcement of workplace policies on leftover food and guidelines on employees taking food home.
Rodriguez has worked 15-hour days, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., with a 3 p.m. break for class. She claims that all she did was take one sandwich from a tray of sandwiches that had been discarded after a staff meeting. She planned to eat it herself for lunch, an idea she thought was workplace norm.
“It was almost at the end of my shift – quarter to two in the afternoon – and I took one and put it in the fridge,” Rodriguez stated. She told us that extra sandwiches generally remained behind in the canteen following caucus meetings of attorneys. This made it very easy and very tempting for employees to take advantage.
Despite her rationale, Total Clean dismissed Rodriguez, citing her actions as taking “client property… without authority or reasonable excuse.” As expected, this decision has emboldened spirited conversations about the enforcement of these controversial policies. Yet, it raises vital concerns for workers, especially those in essential, low-wage jobs.
Rodriguez has permanently resided in London since 2008, Spanish citizen, born in Ecuador. She is a single mother to a 10-year-old daughter and cares for her elderly mother as well. The significant increase in the cost of living has only heightened her desire and sense of obligation to go above and beyond for her family.
I know that I have to hustle twice as hard being a single mom,” Rodriguez said. She’s committed to making her life better by learning English. Along with her day-to-day duties, she’s working to finish a university degree in health and social care.
Rodriguez’s dismissal has raised concerns about the treatment of workers in similar positions. Millions will continue to be compelled to suffer intolerable circumstances with no means of redress. They don’t become a union, they’ve walked off the job when they’ve been mistreated and there’s been no accountability for mistreating people like this. I promised myself that I wouldn’t stay quiet. I’m going to come out and raise hell because that is my right,” she said.
The case highlights the challenges faced by many workers who navigate the complexities of workplace regulations while striving to support their families. While Rodriguez may have moved to England in search of a “land for opportunity,” her experience still illustrates the harsh realities of low-wage work.
Rodriguez has been buoyed through the campaign by support from her local union, which she says has helped her feel “listened to, protected and supported.” The union’s engagement highlights the crucial role that collective bargaining plays in resolving workplace complaints and pushing for justice on the job.