United Voice News
MP Karyn Paluzanno signs up to KEEP IT CLEAN
Member for Penrith Karyn Paluzanno has pledged her support to school cleaners in their fight for a fairer cleaning contract.
LHMU activist and school cleaner at Glenmore Park High Remy Dussault says he enjoyed meeting with his local MP. "At first we were nervous because we didn’t know what to expect," he says. "But she was supportive so that made it more relaxing."
Remy, his wife Julia (who works at Glenmore Park Primary) and fellow cleaner from Willmot Public School Paul McCrae met with MP Karyn Paluzanno late last week to ask for her support for cleaners getting portability of long service leave, a sick leave safety net, job security, fair funding and an effective voice.
"[The Minister] was very supportive on the issues of sick leave and portability of long service leave," Remy says. "She told us they should always be carried over – she was very strong on that."
Remy says the Minister had said she would try to get cleaners to meet with key people in Parliament who have influence over the cleaning contract. "It's then up to us to go there to speak with all those big guns so we can have some say in our contract," he adds.
Remy and other NSW school cleaners have been busy getting signatures on support postcards. "I would like to see more participation from those who are affected," he said. "For example, for long service leave, those who have been working 15 or 20 years, why should they always get their leave paid out and not get to take it? It would be nice to see them participate as well."
"It’ll be nice to have a strong majority to make noise."
School cleaners are knocking on MPs doors all throughout Term 2. Want to support NSW school cleaners? Contact the Member Service Centre on 1800 805 027 for some postcards to get friends and family to sign.
