Gabriela Rodriguez, a single mother from Ecuador, fights back against unfair dismissal by total clean after eating discarded sandwich
Gabriela Rodriguez, a 39-year-old single mother originally from Ecuador, is taking legal action against her former employer, Total Clean, after being dismissed for consuming a leftover tuna sandwich. The incident occurred at Devonshires, a prominent law firm where Rodriguez worked as a cleaner under contract with Total Clean.
Following a disciplinary hearing on November 24, Gabriela received a termination letter from Total Clean’s boss, Graham Petersen, citing her actions as a breach of contractual terms that destroyed the trust and confidence necessary for continued employment. Despite Gabriela’s explanation that similar food had been offered to staff in the past, Petersen deemed her conduct unsatisfactory and terminated her employment with immediate effect.
Gabriela, who moved to the UK from Spain a decade ago, expressed her frustration at the unjust treatment she received, emphasizing that she believed she had the right to consume the sandwich, which was left in the kitchen for staff members. She described the dismissal as “horrible” and felt unjustly accused of theft for simply eating a sandwich that would likely have been discarded.
In response to her dismissal, Gabriela has filed an unfair dismissal claim against Total Clean, seeking redress for the loss of her job. The United Voices of the World Union, which advocates for migrant workers’ rights, has supported Gabriela’s case, highlighting the unreasonable nature of her dismissal over a trivial matter.
The incident has sparked public outrage, leading to a protest outside Devonshires’ office, where demonstrators rallied in support of Gabriela. Protesters carried cans of tuna and sandwiches, symbolizing their solidarity with Gabriela and condemning her dismissal as unjust.
Gabriela’s case sheds light on the challenges faced by migrant workers, particularly in precarious employment situations, and underscores the importance of fair treatment and respect for workers’ rights. As the legal battle unfolds, Gabriela remains determined to seek justice and uphold her rights as a worker and a mother supporting her family.
