by Brianna Crandall — December 27, 2013—The Australian contract cleaning industry and community supporters came together in Canberra recently at a “historic” ceremony to mark the re-signing by 16 cleaning contractors on to Clean Start Collective Agreements, according to United Voice, the Australian cleaners’ union.
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 four percent pay increase and stronger protection against unethical sub-contracting practices.
Louise Tarrant, national secretary of United Voice, said, “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.”
Tarrant encouraged other cleaning contractors to sign the Clean Start Collective Agreement and be a part of the solution. Present at the re-signing ceremony at the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) Legislative Assembly were cleaners, contractors, and political, religious and community leaders.
