Strike talk at Spotless could affect Westfield Doncaster

DONCASTER Westfield and its cleaning contractor Spotless have played down a looming cleaners’ strike, saying it won’t lead to dirty shopping centres in the lead-up to Christmas.

In a Fair Work Australia ruling late last month, the cleaners’ union United Voice was given permission to canvass its members at nine shopping centres about strike action.

The shopping centres include Doncaster Westfield, which has about 50 union cleaners, and the Pines Stockland in Doncaster East, which has about 30.

Union assistant state secretary spokesman Ben Redford said the union’s members wanted Spotless, which has more than 5000 employees, to cut workloads and increase pay.

He said centres serviced by Spotless risked losing customers unless things changed.

Spotless and Westfield have rejected any suggestions the action will cause disruptions during the Christmas peak.

Westfield spokeswoman Julia Clarke said the firm would “explore all necessary options” to avoid issues.

“Regardless of the outcome of the United Voice vote, Westfield’s priority continues to be ensuring that its centres are as clean and safe as possible,” she said.

Spotless spokeswoman Kerrina Lawrence said all shifts would remain fully staffed.

Any industrial action by cleaners would not affect Christmas shopping and “only impact striking cleaners with lost wages”.

Ms Lawrence said it was disappointing the union was targeting Spotless and not sham cleaning companies that paid below standard wages or cash-in-hand.

She said Spotless paid in-line with the industry award, provided balanced workloads and training.

The outcome of the vote is due by next month.

The Pines Stockland did not respond by the Leader’s deadline.

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