by Kevin Parslow, Unite LE 1228 branch secretary
Catering staff and cleaners at the Forest private school in Waltham Forest, London, members of Unite the Union, are on strike from 28 September to 2 October after their employer, the Compass Group, proposed moving them onto term-time-only contracts. This would mean them working 45 weeks instead of 52, but it would also mean a loss of pay of 13.5% per year! There are also losses to pension rights.
These plans will leave workers, who do not receive the London Living Wage, in a precarious financial situation. Meanwhile, Compass group estimates likely profits for 2026 at $1.8 billion. And Unite found that Forest School had a total annual income of over £39 million for the financial year ending 31 August 2025 while its headteacher earns at least £300,000 a year.
The workers produced placards attacking the cuts, one of them modestly saying: “We don’t want more, we want what you took away.” Most of the workers were not in a union four months ago but joined Unite to fight back against these vicious cuts. Workers are also calling for Unite to be formally recognised as their union for collective bargaining.
Unite regional officer Daniel Hoggan said: “Forest School pleads poverty; however, it charges thousands of pounds per term and can afford to pay senior staff huge salaries. Expecting workers who are on already low wages to take such a substantial pay cut is completely unfair and the school needs to think again.
“We know parents will be concerned to hear of the strike plans; however, it is entirely the fault of Forest School for putting profits over people and attacking its lower-paid staff.”
The workers leafleted parents as they brought their children to school, and they received support from some sixth formers, who were interested to hear about the 20 November walkout.