NSW school cleaners demand justice

More than 2000 cleaners from across the state marched last 
Wednesday from Hyde Park, down Macquarie St to Premier Carr's 
office. The cleaners had been on strike for four days as part of 
a statewide campaign to highlight what schools would be like 
without cleaners.

They were there to make sure that their concerns about job 
security were heard right at the top of the Governor Macquarie 
Tower — where the Premier sits.

"Some of our people travelled overnight from the farthest reaches 
of the state to let Bob Carr know that what is on the table is an 
empty offer", said Annie Owens, NSW LHMU Secretary.

Nearly all state schools and TAFE colleges were affected by the 
strike. Cleaners returned to work this week, following talks with 
the government and Department of Education and Training. They 
hope that no further strike action will be necessary.

The NSW Teachers Federation raised concerns that some of the 
strike-breaking cleaners being brought in by the Department may 
not have had the normal police clearance checks which school 
cleaners now have to have if they work on education department 
property.

Like offering an empty glass without a drink

"This offer is like someone handing you a glass, but it is empty, 
there is nothing in the glass to drink", Ms Owens said.

"It's empty because the Government knows that under the current 
proposals any new contractor could fulfill their obligations by 
just offering one hour of work to a cleaner who has been working 
the job for 10, 20, 30 years.

What do the cleaners want?

* An offer of employment from all new incoming contractors (as 
happened in the last two contracts)

* Maintenance of their hours of work. This should be possible 
given that the government says it is happy with the cleaning 
standard and does not see much opportunity for reduction of hours

* No subcontracting, which LHMU members rightly fear will lead to 
cleaners being ripped off. Subcontracting has never previously 
been allowed

* Maintenance of worksites in the contract so that job security 
is not undermined by Departments opting out

* Contracts let at a reasonable size so companies have proper 
systems in place i.e. payroll, injury prevention, training, OH&S 
etc.

As it currently stands, when the contract changes in 2005 there 
will be no way to ensure fairness over which cleaners retain 
employment.

Union members are concerned these decisions will be made on 
discriminatory and prejudicial grounds. Incoming contractors will 
favour younger cleaners, cleaners who have never been injured and 
cleaners who have better English language skills.

The new contract will not commence until October 2005. However, 
the critical decisions are being made now.

LHMU Cleaners are looking to other union members and the broader 
community to help them defend their jobs.

Support the cleaners in their campaign by sending a protest 
message to Bob Carr. Send an email to the Premier by logging onto 
http://www.lhmu.org.au/