United Voice News
School cleaners lobby MP Joe Tripodi
Member for Fairfield Joe Tripodi has committed to help NSW school cleaners win a fair cleaning contract from the NSW Government after LHMU members met up with him to share their stories.
School cleaner at Carramar Public School Mario Burgueno says MP Tripodi was surprised with what he heard. "I explained we start everything new as cleaners when the contract changes," Mario says. "I lost 70 sickies and it was not my fault – I’m still doing the same job. The only thing that’s different is the company name. I reckon it's unfair."
The MP was "very surprised" new cleaning companies did not recognise cleaners' long service leave. "[But] … to the new company, I just started yesterday", even if he had been cleaning the same school all along, Mario says.
MP Tripodi has said he would "have a word with [IR Minister John] Robertson" about cleaners' asks.
NSW school cleaners continue meeting their local MPs this month. To lend your support, contact the Member Service Centre on 1800 805 027 to pick up some campaign postcards for friends and family to sign!
