Hobart cleaners protest at State Library
Submitted by andrew on Wed, 28/05/2008 - 10:02.
in
Cleaners ask: Why isn't State Library cleaned by a Responsible Contracting Program company?
Hobart cleaners and their supporters will protest today about the failure of Kleen N Bright, the company contracted to clean the State Library of Tasmania, to sign up for the Responsible Contracting Program (RCP).
"Across Australia RCP companies are committed to improving the quality of services provided to building owners and operators and to building better relationships with their workforce," says David O'Byrne, Secretary of the Tasmanian Branch of the LHMU, the cleaners' union.
"The vast majority of Hobart's CBD buildings are now cleaned by RCP companies but not the State Library of Tasmania.
"It's time for Kleen N Bright to sign on to the RCP so cleaners who look after this important Hobart building no longer continue to miss out on the improved contracting standards prevailing in Hobart's CBD.
"The RCP is part of the Clean Start Fair Go for Cleaners campaign launched by the LHMU to fix the crisis in CBD contract cleaning around Australia. The crisis, which was triggered by a race to the bottom in contract cleaning, saw industry standards plummet.
"The crisis has had a devastating impact on the lives of cleaners including unrealistic workloads, reduced shift hours and poverty level wages. It's worth remembering that unreasonable workloads affect standards of service and cleanliness, as well as cleaner's safety at work.
"The RCP is an important first in returning the industry to a sustainable footing. That's why cleaners are disappointed by Kleen N Bright's refusal to adopt the RCP. The LHMU believes that by not signing onto the Program the Company is sending a strong message that it's not interested in working to build an industry with higher standards for building maintenance where cleaners are given are fair go."
Details of the demonstration by cleaners and their supporters:
When: 12.30 pm, Wednesday 28 May 2008
Where: Outside the State Library of Tasmania, 91 Murray Street, Hobart
