United Voice

In this issue:

1. Retail cleaners unite for a Clean Start

2. United we stand, divided we fall

3. Attend your next local union meeting

Retail cleaners unite for a Clean Start

Australia’s retail cleaners join our fast-growing Clean Start movement!

Almost 100 cleaners from across the country met in Canberra in June to talk about the future of their industry.

Now retail cleaners across Melbourne are getting together at meetings in August.

The LHMU National Cleaners Conference saw members who clean city buildings and shopping centres come together to share their stories, workshop industry solutions and lobby politicians.

Inspired by the success of city members, retail cleaners left the conference fired up and ready to win their own Clean Start.
   
And they know they have the support of thousands of cleaners nation-wide.

“It is empowering to see retail cleaners unite with us. We will back them the whole way,” said CBD cleaner Gus Velasco.

Members of Parliament, including Julia Gillard signed a pledge to support retail cleaners in their fight for respect.

“Retail cleaners — you do the same work as me, for the same companies. There is no reason why you should be treated differently.

It’s time for you to join with us in OUR union to win a Clean Start for Retail!”
Gus Velasco, Mutual, CBD (pictured, below left)

“The convention was an awesome experience. I realised we are all connected by the same difficulties we face at work.  It doesn’t matter if you’re a student, if you’re raising a family, if you’re casual or full-time, or what race or religious values you have. We are all united by the hard work we do and we all want to be treated with dignity.     

I’ve always thought I was ‘just a cleaner’, but if our Prime Minister can treat us respectfully, then why can’t retail owners and cleaning companies do the same? 

CBD cleaners across the country are behind us. Our Prime Minister supports us.  It’s time for us to UNITE in our union, step up and FIGHT FOR OUR RIGHTS!”
Ofelia Beltran, Reflections, Retail (pictured, above right)

United we stand, divided we fall

“We need to unite in our union so we can win respect. We can’t do this individually. We have to do this together.

Unity gives us strength and our collective strength will make us powerful. We must not be afraid. We must speak up.

We cannot let our bosses intimidate us. We aren’t ‘just cleaners.' We are human beings that deserve dignity and respect for our hard work! Stand with me!”
Caterina Speranza, Reflections, Retail (pictured, left)

Attend your next local union meeting

Melbourne: 6:30pm Mon 30 August, at your union office, 117-131 Capel Street, North Melbourne

Springvale: 6:30pm Wed 1 September, Springvale Town Hall, Civic Centre Meeting Room, 397- 405 Springvale Road, Springvale.

• Learn about how cleaners are organising through our Clean Start in Retail Campaign

• Discuss issues that matter to you — like living wages and respect on the job

• Get involved so we can win a strong collective agreement  that will strengthen the cleaning industry