United Voice News
Inspired by city cleaners’ win, Australia’s retail cleaners are now also standing up for change.
Angelo Pezzimenti, a delegate at Melbourne’s Northland Shopping Centre, was rapt about city cleaners’ victory.
“I’d been to a few of their noisy protests. It was very uplifting when I heard what they achieved.”
In December fifty retail cleaners came together in Melbourne to discuss how they can win better jobs.
Southland Shopping Centre’s Selina Chan said members learned they faced the same problems.
“All managers push us and expect 110%,” Selina said.
“You come in for four hours but they expect eight hours worth of work.”
Members also pledged to support each other in their battle ahead.
“You need everybody together and you need to be brave,” Angelo said.
“We need solid movement, like an elephant. It doesn’t have to be fast; just strong and the right step at the right time.”
For Selina, the fight is about respect.
“We need respect because we work very hard. We’re on our hands and knees working hard and we deserve more,” Selina said.
“There’s always hope. But you need to fight for it.”
