A cleaner has been sacked after eating a left over Tesco tuna sandwich which was left on a discarded platter for workers at a law firm.
Mum Gabriela Rodriguez ate the £1.50 sandwich which was left over from a "client's special event" at corporate law firm Devonshires.
Following her dismissal from Total Clean, protesters have gathered outside Devonshires offices with 100 cans of tuna and 300 sandwiches.
Rodriguez, who is from Ecuador but now lives in North London, launched her unfair dismissal claim but the cleaning company reportedly refused to reinstate her.
A cleaner has been sacked after eating a left over Tesco tuna sandwich which was left on a discarded platter for workers at a law firm
Getty/ UVW Union
Boss Graham Petersen wrote to the 39-year-old following a disciplinary hearing on November 23.
He said: "At the hearing your explanation was that you found a sandwich in the kitchen near the end of your shift and took it without giving it a second thought.
"You stated that previously the client had left food in the kitchen and offered it out, so you thought it was fine.
"I considered your explanation to be unsatisfactory because you confirmed that no one had offered you the food in the kitchen but decided to take it anyway.
"I have decided that your conduct has resulted in a fundamental breach of your contractual terms which irrevocably destroys the trust and confidence necessary to continue the employment relationship."
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Supporters have now launched their campaign after claiming the single mum had worked for the company for two years with an "impeccable record".
Protesters held placards reading "Sacked for a Sandwich?" and "We are not the dirt - we clean", and gave out leaflets which read: "I ate a leftover tuna sandwich and got sacked!"
In an appeal letter sent on behalf of the former cleaner, grassroots UVW Union for migrant workers said: "There were various full trays of leftover sandwiches that had been laid out for staff to eat.
"Gabriela understood she was also allowed to eat this food.
"It is so incredibly far beyond the realms of reasonableness and comprehension to dismiss an employee for eating a leftover tuna and cucumber sandwich.
Supporters have now launched their campaign after claiming the single mum had worked for the company for two years with an 'impeccable record'
UVW Union
"We now understand that the privilege of eating leftover sandwiches perhaps does not extend to the outsourced migrant workforce in the building."
In a statement, Total Clean accused UVW and Gabriela of "misleading and inaccurate information" but declined to specify.
It added: "It is important to us to maintain the integrity of our workforce and service by ensuring we deal appropriately with any actions that undermine the hard work and reputation of our incredible team who conduct themselves impeccably.
"Trust and honesty is of paramount importance. All steps taken have been in accordance with UK employment law following the proper investigative and disciplinary process. We will be making no further comment on the matter."
Devonshires said it had not asked Total Clean to take action. A spokesperson said: "This is a private matter between Total Clean and Gabriela but we have made clear to Total Clean that we would not object, as we never have done, to Gabriela attending and working on our premises if Total Clean changes its position."
