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UNI Commerce Global meeting in Berlin shows its support for International Justice Day

International Justice Day – the invisible workforce demands an end to inequality 

Cleaners and security guards demand decent jobs, safe work and respect

The scourge of inequality is highlighted today on the 27th anniversary of International Justice Day.  A day that puts the spotlight on low wages and poor work conditions for cleaners and security staff and recognises their significant contribution to society.

The unacceptable reality is that a cleaner would have to work around 1000 years to earn what the average CEO banker receives including bonuses. UNI Global Union’s Property Services, representing millions of cleaners and security workers across the globe, says its unacceptable that those who guard and clean for the wealthy do not have enough to provide properly for their families.

 UNI Global Union General Secretary, Philip Jennings said, “The International Day of Justice is a day when we put on the yellow glove which has grown to symbolize our global solidarity with cleaners and security guards. These are the invisible workers who provide vital services which are not recognized by the companies who employ them or the governments who should legislate to protect them.

“We have to take a stand for these workers and demand change. This fight is part of larger struggle against the neo-liberal wave which continues to destroy lives and threaten workers around the world. These right-wing governments are attempting to undermine and attack unions that represent vulnerable workers including cleaners and security guards. Look at the United States, where the Trump is the Betrayer-in-Chief who promised to represent working people but has left them to drown in the swamp he said he would clean up.  

“Today we will be out on the streets, with our yellow gloved hands raised in protest and support of cleaners and security guards. Words are not enough - we call for decent safe, work and fair pay.”

Join in or follow the global wave of events being held for International Justice Day beginning in the Australia, New Zealand, through Asia and Europe to the Americas by using the hashtag #justiceday2017 and visiting http://fb.me/UNIJusticeDay.

 For more information or arrange an interview contact: Joanna Katsoulas at Joanna.Katsoulas@uniglobalunion.org or Matthew Painter at matthew.painter@uniglobalunion.org.