Help me put an end to discrimination against low paid migrant workers

My name is Liliana Almanza Echeverry. I am a woman who left her country so many years ago that I have lost count. During my time working as an outsourced cleaner for Cofely, I have been subject to sustained discrimination and harassment on the basis of my gender, race, and disabilities, and my employer has refused to make reasonable adjustments to my workload to accommodate my disabilities. 

Me and my daughter

What is my case about?

This is a case about trade union rights and discrimination. I started working as an outsourced cleaner at the University of London for Cofely on 26 March 2011. 

I suffer from two disabilities: depression and chronic lower back pain. My company has refused to make reasonable adjustments to accommodate my disabilities. Despite telling them multiple times that I couldn't physically handle the work they were giving me and that the work was causing me pain, they refused to change my duties. 

Furthermore, about a year into my employment one of my supervisors started to spread rumours about me and referred to me as a 'bitch' and a 'whore'. She has made derogatory comments about Latin Americans in front of me saying we are all dying of hunger and begging for work. 

What action have I taken so far?

I launched a grievance in August 2015 which the company took three months to hear. My grievance was not upheld, and so I appealed it. The appeal was held at the beginning of January 2016, and I still have not been given an outcome. 

Throughout this process the company has been reluctant to engage with my trade union, the IWGB, and I think this is to deter me from using my union. 

By taking this case to tribunal I want to receive fair compensation for what I have suffered and want to shine a spotlight on the nasty underworld of outsourced cleaning. 

Case timeline

• 12 August 2015: I submitted a grievance.
• 27 November 2015: I was told my grievance was not upheld.
• 30 November 2015: I appealed against my the grievance outcome. 
• 3 January 2016: I submitted my employment tribunal claim. 

Why support me?

Low paid workers are not only the most likely to face exploitation in the context of employment, but they are also the least likely to be able to overcome the government's employment tribunal fees and to afford legal representation. 

Giving to my case will allow me to pursue justice over the appalling treatment I have received and will send a message to large outsourcing companies that they will be held accountable for their actions. 

How much am I raising and what is it for?

I am raising an initial amount of £250 to go towards the costs of litigation. As the £250 will only get me partway there, I have a stretch target of £1,500. 

About the claimant

My name is Liliana Almanza Echeverry. I am a woman who left her country so many years ago that I have lost count. Whilst working as an outsourced cleaner for Cofely, I have been subject to sustained discrimination and harassment on the basis of my gender, race, and disabilities, and my employer has refused to make reasonable adjustments to my workload to accommodate my disabilities.

Fast facts

*Name of case* Liliana Almanza Echeverry v Cofely Workplace Limited *What's at stake* Ensuring outsourcing giants respect the rights of cleaners *What's the next step* A hearing will take place at the London Central Employment Tribunal (date has not yet been set). The case is being taken by the IWGB and a barrister from Cloisters Chambers.