KEEP IT CLEAN activists create buzz in Parliament

United Voice News

KEEP IT CLEAN activists create buzz in Parliament

Thu 13 May 10 Comments

NSW school cleaners Milton Mollina, Judith Hopkinson, Sharon Robinson and Agustina 'Tina' Herrera met with more than 20 members of NSW parliament today to share their stories about being cleaners in NSW schools.

Sharon Robinson says it was "an absolute once in a lifetime experience" for her. "They were really supportive," Sharon says. "They had good questions too. They did listen and asked questions and we answered them."

Cleaners spoke about their five asks: portability of long service leave, a sick leave safety net, job security, fair funding and an effective voice for cleaners.

The MPs LHMU activists lobbied personally included Ian West, John Della Bosca, Paul Pearce, Penny Sharpe, Helen Westwood, Amanda Fazio, Kayee Griffin, Lynda Voltz, Shaoquett Moselmane, Greg Donnelly and Tony Catanzariti. Milton, Judith, Sharon and Tina even got a mention during Question Time in parliament!

Cleaners got support from all members they met and some had even agreed to speak to either the Treasurer Eric Roozendaal or Premier Kristina Keneally about the "KEEP IT CLEAN for our schools' future" campaign.

MLC Ian West was highly supportive of cleaners' claims and said their lobbying had created a buzz around Parliament House already. "I have been extremely heartened by the fact that most of the MPs are very much aware of the important role that cleaners play and the important struggle which you are going through at this time."

He said it was important school cleaners continued to meet their local MPs and tell their stories about "the struggles and tribulations you are up against everyday in ensuring that our schools are kept in a clean and hygienic condition".

Member for East Hills Alan Ashton told cleaners that MPs have "raised these matters with the Premier, Ministers for Cabinet and the like". "I think there’s a great deal of sympathy, especially on the portability of long service leave," MP Ashton said. "Being a former school teacher, cleaners are very, very critical in the school and over the years they have been asked to do increasingly more and the conditions have not got any better."

"I applaud that you are here today and I fully support your case."

Want to help your school cleaner? Call the Member Service Centre on 1800 805 027 to get a few support postcards for family and friends to sign.