Stockland Wendouree could be hit by cleaners' strike

Five out of 11 Victorian shopping centres cleaned by services giant Spotless were subjected to 24-hour strikes by cleaners yesterday, including Chadstone Shopping Centre, Werribee Plaza and Corio Village in Geelong.

The union, United Voice, claimed it was getting reports of rubbish being built up and general “grottiness” at affected centres, while Spotless said shoppers were not affected at all.

The ongoing dispute stems from union claims that cleaners are not being given realistic workloads and are receiving “poverty pay”.

Both parties claim they are willing to negotiate, and blame the lack of meaningful discussion on the other party.

But Stockland centre manager Stevie Wright said regardless of whether cleaners decided to strike today, shoppers would not be impacted.

“We are not expecting any stoppages in the immediate future but we remain prepared should they eventuate,” Ms Wright said.

“Spotless assures us the appropriate plans are in place which would ensure that in the event of a stoppage all cleaning duties would be carried out in accordance with our high standards.”

United Voice assistant Victorian secretary Ben Redford told The Courier that cleaners were being given no other option than to take action.

“(The strikes) have coincided with the company’s refusal to even sit down and meet with the cleaners,” Mr Redford said.

“While cleaners regret that there might be some inconvenience, they’ve really been left with no choice. Spotless won’t even talk to them.”

Meanwhile, Spotless said the union had refused the cleaning company’s attempts at creating an opportunity for meaningful discussion.

“Spotless attempted to speak with union management about 10 days ago and the union would not co-operate,” a Spotless spokeswoman said.

“We want to work with the union and drive out the sham contractors, but it refuses.”

http://www.thecourier.com.au/news/local/news/general/stockland-wendouree-could-be-hit-by-cleaners-strike/2403302.aspx