United Voice News
Cleaners rally at Newcastle University to protest cuts
Cleaners at Newcastle University turned out in force early this morning to protest a 25% cut to their working hours.
They rallied at the front gates of the university, together with more than 30 students, calling for support from staff and students to demand the university reinstate full funding to its cleaning budget. Drivers driving into the university enthusiastically honked their horns in full support.
The university has cut $1m from its $4m cleaning budget which means cleaners have had their hours cut by 25%.
LHMU delegate and university cleaner Gail Moy says it would be impossible for cleaners to meet the same high standards with 25% less time to do the work. It would mean a dirtier university and student accommodation.
“At the student residences that I clean, there are communal showers that are cleaned daily. These cuts mean that they will now only be cleaned ‘when needed’. It’s a big hygiene issue,” Gail says. “What they are asking for is impossible, and there are OHS issues too.”
Another cleaner Carolyn Collins says the cuts have been accompanied by a restructuring of cleaners’ work hours. “I’ve already lost $90 a week … and they’ve now changed my shifts and did not consult me about it.”
For personal reasons, Carolyn says she is unable to do the new shift she’s been given but can “ill afford” to knock it back because she needs the work.
LHMU NSW Assistant Secretary Mel Gatfield says the university needs to stop hiding behind cleaning contractor Spotless and take responsibility for the cuts.
“The university will not even meet with its cleaners,” Mel says. “Cleaners are suffering wage cuts in already hard economic times. Some are saying they will not be able to afford medicines or repayments on their mortgages. They are also anxious and stressed about their jobs.”
The LHMU ran an email campaign earlier in the year and has already received hundreds of emails from students and university staff in support of their cleaners.
“The Vice Chancellor should listen to students and staff at the university and reverse these cost cutting measures so they can continue to have a great environment to study and work in,” Mel says.
