United Voice News
Government Cleaners Hang on for Pay Rise
*Media Release* On the eve of International Anti-Poverty Day the LHMU is calling on the premier to honour a commitment made by the previous government by implementing a pay rise to cleaners that was due on 1st October. 16th October, 2008.
Cleaners in government buildings are holding out hope for a $3 per hour pay increase that was due on 1
st October.“It would be extraordinary if one of Mr Barnett’s first decisions was to stop a pay rise for the cleaners who clean his own office,” said Dave Kelly, secretary of the LHMU.
“The State Government announced the decision in February this year. The increase was due to start on 1st October but so far nothing.
“In September, we wrote to the new Premier, Mr Barnett, seeking an assurance the increase would flow to cleaners, but so far we have not had an answer. This is very disappointing.
“Cleaners are among the hardest-working and lowest-paid workers in our community, and to deny this pay rise would be inexcusably unfair.
“On International Anti-Poverty Day we call on Mr Barnett to demonstrate his commitment to those in our community that are not enjoying the benefits of the boom by announcing that the 1October pay rise for cleaners will go ahead.”
The pay increase would apply to approximately 1200 cleaners employed throughout WA by private contractors to clean government buildings, such as Governor Stirling Towers where the Premier has his office.
These cleaners currently earn about $15 per hour. The new rate would have been $18.24 per hour.
