United Voice News
In this issue:
1. High-octane solidarity
2. Building a fortress around Clean Start
3. Time to clean up retail cleaning
Dear member,
Cleaners are no longer an invisible workforce — we are strong and proud of our hard work.
We won’t be swept aside or be devalued by bosses. We demand respect.
Recently members at the Geelong Oil Refinery proved this once again. They stood up to the injustice of losing their jobs at a change of contract.
They were united and ready to take action. They refused to go quietly, or let the new contractor overlook their skills, dedication and many years of loyal service at the refinery.
Their courage won them their jobs back and union pay rates (36% above the award).
City members are equally determined. Recently city delegates underwent our Powerhouse training.
Their knowledge and strength is helping us build a human fortress around Clean Start so strong, no one can tear it down.
In July, city members will enjoy the fruits of their hard work with their next Clean Start pay rise.
Retail members are determined to follow in these footsteps. They had another meeting in April to plan the next steps in their battle to win better jobs.
Together we are building an industry where our work is valued and respected.
In unity,
Jess Walsh
Branch Secretary,
LHMU Victoria
VICTORIAN BRANCH ELECTION REMINDER – VOTE NOW
All Victorian LHMU members have been sent a ballot paper for our union election.
Your vote is important. This election will decide who will lead our union for the next four years.
The ballot paper has names on it. You need to place an X next to your choice for the union’s leadership positions.
Once you have filled in your ballot paper, put it inside the small envelope provided and then sign the back of this envelope.
You then need to put the smaller envelope inside the larger reply-paid envelope provided and put it back in the mail.
High-octane solidarity
After a tense stand-off, strong action helps refinery cleaners save their jobs.
Cleaners at Shell’s Geelong Oil Refinery are jubilant after a threat of strike action helped them win their jobs back and get a pay rise.
The twenty cleaners were employed on a union agreement, with full time workers earning $870 a week.
But when the contract changed, incoming contractor ISS Cleaning told members their jobs would end. Some had worked there for more than 20 years under various contractors.
Members could re-apply for their old jobs on the minimum wage. They faced a 36 percent wage cut and no guarantee they would be rehired.
“We were devastated and very angry; they went about it in a very underhanded way,” said delegate Dianne McCarthy.
“We have people here who have kids and mortgages and it would have destroyed a lot of lives.”
The members stood ready to fight for their jobs and their union pay rates.
“We said we would stand together as one and we would take action,” Dianne said.
Just hours before members were set to walk off the job, they struck a deal that guaranteed their jobs and pay rates.
“We were rapt; we still had our jobs and our agreement would remain the same,” Dianne said.
“These members should be proud of the stand they took — they can now breathe a huge sigh of relief, for themselves and their families,” said Victorian Secretary Jess Walsh.
Building a fortress around Clean Start
Cleaning delegates sharpen their skills to protect Clean Start.
Melbourne CBD cleaning delegates say their day at the union office has given them the tools to defend our Clean Start agreement.
In May they did our Powerhouse Delegate Training which teaches delegates how to strengthen their sites and understand their rights.
Ana Arbizu is a delegate for ISS Cleaning at Freshwater Place. This was her second Powerhouse and she believes the training is vital for a solid union.
“If we can have more informed delegates, we will build a stronger union,” said Ana (pictured, far left).
And with the next Clean Start pay rise just around the corner — city cleaners know why a strong union is so important.
“The pay rise in July is further recognition of our hard work,” Ana said.
“We fought for three years to get a Clean Start and now we have to defend it with strong delegates and leaders.”
After Powerhouse, Ana is confident she is prepared for anything.
“I felt I still needed help with knowing my rights and how to solve problems and Powerhouse has really helped,” Ana said.
“I feel secure in my role with the new knowledge that I have.”
“These delegates are helping us build a fortress around Clean Start, so that no dodgy contractors can tear it down,” said Jess Walsh.
Time to clean up retail cleaning
Retail cleaners have their sights set on a better industry standard.
Retail cleaners from across Victoria met in April to discuss how they can solve the problems ruining their industry.
Members said they work hard to keep the state’s shopping centres safe and clean. But with employers pushing them to the limit; industry standards have slipped.
Frankston Myer delegate Kath Wilson said all cleaners agreed the big issue is respect.
“We need more respect from centre owners and management because we do a bloody hard job and not many people would do it,” said Kath (pictured).
“People still look at us as though we are dirty because we do a dirty a job and its time we changed that.”
After 20 years in the cleaning industry, Kath knows there is only one way to achieve real change.
“We need to get everyone at our centres unionised so we can build strength and confidence together,” Kath said.
“We need to spread the message that there will be light at the end of the tunnel and we will be rewarded for our hard work.”
“Members are determined to make real change in their industry, as their fellow cleaners in the city have done,” said Jess Walsh, LHMU Victorian Secretary.
