More cleaning contractors to face industrial action

The application follows the two companies' refusal to continue discussions with their  workforce about improving the cleaning industry. Glad and Assetlink have both refused to  work with cleaners to improve cleaning standards and cleaners' employment conditions.  This forced cleaners to take the next step and lodge an application to ballot for industrial  action.

Louise Tarrant, National Secretary of United Voice, the cleaners' union, said it was time for  cleaning contractors and shopping centre owners to take more responsibility for clean  shopping centres, the cleaning industry  and for cleaners' lives.

"Cleaners across Australia work hard ensuring that retail centres are hygienic for shoppers. If  it weren't for cleaners working around the clock, no one would shop at a shopping centre."

"If a food court is dirty, you won't eat there. If a shopping centre is dirty, you leave."

"It is because of cleaners and their dedication to their work that shoppers spend money in  retail centres."

"Yet, these cleaners are only making $16.57 an hour. And nearly 30% of cleaners work extra  hours, unpaid, just to ensure that the shopping centre is safe and hygienic for shoppers."

"On such low wages, these hardworking Australian families are struggling to pay their bills  and put food on the table."

"Christmas is just around the corner, but many cleaners aren't even able to afford presents  for their family. They're taking this step because of Glad and Assetlink's disregard for their  workforce."

"If you provide such an essential function to our society, it's not fair that you'd need to use  credit just to pay bills, as many cleaners do."

"Spotless, Glad and Assetlink cleaners are coming together to stand up for cleaner shopping  centres and better conditions for shoppers."

"They're asking cleaning contractors and owners, like Westfield, to recognise the importance  of the important service they provide and to play their part in improving the industry."

"Cleaners keep the retail business running—and it's time that they're recognised for the  important work that they do."