United Voice

The Uniting Church investigated the plight of cleaners in Victoria’s big shopping malls, and has found that many of these workers are unable to enjoy even a basic standard of living.

The report is based on research with nearly 400 shopping centre cleaners and found that:

•    80% believe their wage is insufficient to support a family, with many working two jobs, nightshifts and weekends to survive.
•    Three-quarters have problems paying bills and debts.
•    Two-thirds of cleaners supporting children are even cutting back on groceries.
•    78% believe holidays are an unaffordable luxury.

“This report by the Uniting Church shows there is a dark side to our two speed economy,” said Louise Tarrant National Secretary of United Voice, the Cleaners Union. 

“At the same time as mining companies record staggering profits and projected investment, there are other Australians who have fallen into a poverty trap and sliding deeper into debt.”

“Australia’s big shopping malls are a microcosm of our broader society. You have people who can afford to buy luxury items, while, at the same time, the people who clean these centres can’t even afford to fill their shopping trollies.”

“This Uniting Church report paints a grim picture of cleaners living on the margins of society, unable to afford to visit a dentist; meals out with friends; or even take a holiday. Those with children do it even tougher, often working two jobs simply to make ends meet.”

The report also condemns the working conditions of shopping centre cleaners, which it describes as reminiscent of the 19th Century, when the Church first denounced the mistreatment of vulnerable workers.

Researchers found that many shopping centre cleaners are under enormous pressure, with half saying they are stressed about their workload, which has increased as cleaning contractors slash jobs and cleaners’ hours in a bid to undercut competitors.

The report finds that excessive workloads are contributing to a spate of injuries, heart disease, depression, nervous breakdowns and families being torn apart.

The researchers recorded a litany of routine violations at some of Victoria’s biggest shopping malls, including cleaners being underpaid, forced to do unpaid overtime, facing staff shortages, bullying, being required to work through breaks, having to work with faulty equipment and not having the right chemicals.

“This report also finds that cleaners are being brutalised by appalling working conditions, because of relentless cutbacks in staff and hours by cleaning contractors locked in a ferocious price war with each other,” said Tarrant.

“Cleaners are under enormous pressure, often doing the jobs of two or three people. There have been heart attacks, nervous breakdowns, depression and marriages torn apart.”

“Importantly, cleaners say this crisis is also affecting their work: they can’t do their jobs properly, which is a real concern for the cleanliness and hygiene in our big shopping malls.”

The Uniting Church has been an active supporter of low-paid cleaners for some years and was approached to write the report by United Voice, the Cleaners Union.

Download the Cutting Corners report here

Further info:  Adam Cathro, United Voice, Media Officer, 0413 239 665