United Voice News
Cleaners tell employer: Don' t be a Scrooge, Pickwick Eski
Scrooge will be on Collins St this morning demanding money from passers-by to pay the cleaners he employs.
Carollers will sing “Rudolph the low-paid cleaner” and “Away with the manager” to remind their employer, Pickwick Eski, not to be a Scrooge this Christmas.
Pickwick Eski is refusing cleaners, some of the city’s lowest paid workers, an industry wide pay agreement that every other major Melbourne contractor has signed.
A Pickwick Eski cleaner says they will not stop campaigning until the company signs the agreement that will deliver fairer wages, a reasonable workload and increased job security.
“I worry I have not enough money, that the boss will take more time from me and they will cut the money, and take away our holidays and sick leave.".
“I feel it is too much work. In a short time I have to clean a lot. They are pushing me and I am running to finish on time.”
Cleaners average about $300 a week, and are expected to clean the equivalent of four homes every hour.
LHMU Cleaner’s Union State Secretary Jess Walsh says cleaners have been campaigning for a fair deal for over two-and-a-half years.
“When Pickwick Eski stops Scrooging cleaners and signs the agreement, then cleaners will feel they can celebrate Christmas properly.”
“Until Pickwick Eski signs, cleaners will keep on campaigning for the fair deal they deserve.”
