Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.Victorian Trades Hall Council. The voice of Victorian workers since 1856.

LHMU Media Alert - Cleaners Rally today

25 September 2008

 

Cleaner stoppage could create hygiene crisis in city buildings

 

MELBOURNE - Furious city cleaners are unable rule out strike action after employers withdrew a pay offer that would allow these workers to keep up with the rising costs of living.

Employers had offered cleaners minimum pay rises of between four and five percent as a part of new five year agreement; however they have now walked away from this.

Office cleaners say they cannot survive on average wages of just $300 a week. They have been in negotiations for 12 months on a new pay deal.  

It is likely any stoppages could seriously disrupt rubbish removal and toilet cleaning inside major city buildings.

Cleaners will distribute strike survival kits to office workers as they march through the city at midday today. These contain a breathing mask, a Chux wipe, soap and toilet paper.

LHMU Cleaners Union State Secretary Jess Walsh said cleaners have been left with few options and are appealing to the public for support.

“Employers have walked away from the negotiating table. They have told cleaners they can stay on poverty wages,” she said.

“For over two years cleaners have been campaigning for justice so they can give their families a better future. They are determined as ever to win this fight.”

“Cleaners do not want to inconvenience the public. However they feel employers have left them with few options.”

“Cleaners’ message today is: no justice, no cleaners!”  

“Cleaners are calling on Australia’s largest contractor, ISS, to take a leadership role and return the negotiating table.”

“They are also asking the public support for their support.”

 

 

 

MEDIA ALERT: MAJOR CLEANERS RALLY TODAY

 

START TIME/PLACE: 12pm TODAY outside Parliament House.

 

RALLY ROUTE: The rally will go down Collins Street stopping outside major office buildings, ending at city square.

 

PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:

 

  • The rally will be led by union activists wearing white, full body hygiene suits,   bio-hazard symbols, protective breathing masks and rubber gloves.  
  • They will distribute ‘Cleaners Strike Survival Kits’ to city office workers, which include a breathing mask, Chux wipe, soap and a toilet roll.

 


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