First national retail cleaning industrial action is one step closer

Louise Tarrant, National Secretary of United Voice, the cleaners' union, said cleaners have been forced to take this action because of Spotless's refusal to address issues in contract cleaning. Spotless is one of the largest cleaning contractors in Australia and employs cleaners in a number of shopping centres across the country, including many Westfield retail centres.

"Cleaners in shopping centres take great pride in their jobs, and they love their work. But, in spite of the important work that they do to ensure proper sanitary and hygienic conditions for all shoppers, they are being paid poverty wages and can't afford to pay their bills and rent every month."

"Cleaners, through the Clean Start campaign, are working together to ensure cleaner shopping centres and liveable wages. But, Spotless refuses to even talk to their workforce to work on issues in the industry."
"After a year of trying to get Spotless to do the right thing and work with their employees for a better cleaning industry, cleaners are being forced to take the next step—balloting for industrial action."

"This is the first time cleaners have moved towards industrial action. That shows just how broken the industry has become."

"Cleaners are taking a stand against the growing poverty in our country by working together to find solutions to our two speed economy."

"The solution is simple—Spotless and United Voice members across the country working together to ensure better conditions for shoppers and better living conditions for cleaners."

Shopping centres where industrial action will take place include Westfield Centrepoint and Mt Druitt in NSW, Westfield Doncaster in VIC and Westfield Tea Tree Plaza in SA, among others.