News

The contract cleaning industry and community supporters came together in Canberra today at a historic ceremony to mark the re-signing by 16 cleaning contractors on to Clean Start Collective Agreements.

The first Clean Start Collective Agreement was signed in Canberra in 2008 after a long, hard and often noisy battle by cleaners for fair pay, better jobs and higher standards in Australia’s crisis-ridden contract cleaning industry. The latest Agreement includes a 4% pay increase and stronger protection against immoral sub-contracting practices.

Louise Tarrant, National Secretary, of United Voice the cleaners’ union, says ““Today is a turning point for Australia’s contract cleaning industry.

“The recommitment by key contractors to the Clean Start Collective Agreement for a further four years is significant because it consolidates industry reform which was initiated, fought for and won by workers.

“Low paid cleaners came up with the solutions to stop the race to the bottom in their industry. They convinced property owners, tenants and cleaning companies there was a better way – Clean Start - and they have proven it delivers. In the process, cleaners improved their lives and secured higher building maintenance standards for owners and better services for tenants.

“We don’t pretend the battle is over or that all shonky contractors have been driven from the industry. This year’s audit of 1,000 cleaning contractors by the Fair Work Ombudsman in response to illegal practices in the industry proves there is more to be done. But the Agreement makes it harder for these operators and provides protection for cleaners and ethical contractors.

“We congratulate cleaners and companies at today’s ceremony for their leadership in this essential industry.

“Now it’s time for the rest of the industry to respect their cleaning workforce and get behind the industry leaders today re-affirming the value of Clean Start for everybody. Negotiations are progressing and we look forward to more sign ups. Their choice is clear: be part of the solution or be part of the problem,” says Louise Tarrant.