United Voice

Commenting on today’s tumultuous events, Louise Tarrant, LHMU National Secretary says

“Earlier today Julia Gillard committed to making Australia a place ‘where hard work is rewarded and the dignity of work is respected’.  Drawing on her own experience she was adamant that ‘for families like mine, being treated decently in the workplace matters’. Her father John is indeed a life member of our union.

“LHMU members know this isn’t just the rhetoric of another politician.

“Just last week Julia Gillard met with over 70 LHMU cleaning leaders, listening to their stories and issues with respect and resolve. At this meeting she re-committed the Government to being both a procurer of Clean Start endorsed services and supported cleaners’ move of Clean Start into shopping centres.

“The new Prime Minister has also been a terrific champion of members’ quest for quality childcare. It was her early intervention that ensured Government funding kept open the doors of ABC Learning childcare centres after the company’s collapse. It was her leadership that helped push through quality reforms for the sector, including better ratios and qualifications.

“It was Julia Gillard’s voice that was strongest in committing the Government’s support for the recent minimum wage increase. And it was her determination and focus that got rid of individual contracts of employment, despite a hostile Senate.

“In Julia Gillard we have a Prime Minister that knows working Australians and our members in particular, their issues and what a difference a Labor government can make.

“There is still much that working Australians expect from a Labor government. The coming months will be important to making sure members’ voices are heard in Canberra. However, it is also vital to ensure the labor Government is returned so it can deliver to working Australians.

“LHMU urges all members of Government to work together to focus on finishing the job interrupted by the global financial crisis and forging a bold new agenda for the second term.

“The next few months will be critical to ensuring the interests of working people are squarely centre stage of Australia’s political debate and that no room is created for the return of Tony Abbott and WorkChoices.

“With an election around the corner it is definitely Game On!” says Louise Tarrant. 

Photos: Julie Gillard at launch of LHMU Big Steps in childcare campaign in 2008 (left) and in Canberra last week with LHMU members at the Clean Start conference (top) and Anna Jancevska and Luzia Borges, cleaners at Parliament House (above)