Cleaning Code sets new standards

Date: 11 April 2005

An ACT ground-breaking cleaning code to deliver high standards of cleaning services, in the most environmentally sound means possible, will create a national precedent - the LHMU Cleaners Union said today.

This Contract Cleaning Code of Practice will provide important protections for low-wage workers in an employment environment which has in recent years become increasingly cut-throat - right across Australia.

ACT Minister for Industrial Relations, Katy Gallagher, will launch the Code at the Canberra Hyatt Hotel on Tuesday April 12 at 10 am in the Centenary Room.

Media alert

Date Tuesday, April 12, 2005

Time 10 am

Place Centenary Room, Hyatt Hotel, Canberra

New logo

" If you see this logo on an office block, at a hotel, hospital, school or university you know that this is a workplace which works hard to deliver high standards, green standards, and a decent and respectful workplace, " Lyndal Ryan, ACT LHMU Cleaners Union Assistant Secretary said.

The LHMU Cleaners Union is a dynamic growing union, which has organised hundreds of marginalised young workers, female workers and immigrant groups to build a strong voice for workers' rights in the ACT.

Top prize

The award recognises achievement in finding solutions for workplace safety issues.

Decent employers not shonky fly-by-nights

" A few shonky fly-by-night operators have introduced practices which undermine legitimate contract cleaning tenderers - as well as the rights of hundreds of low-waged workers who want to deliver decent standards for their families.

Pyramid contracting exploits marginalised workers

" Workers - especially from marginalised ethnic groups - have been exploited and threatened, to the point that many are often too frightened to speak up.

Community support to chase out the " bad guys"

" Community leaders are increasingly concerned about the corrosive norms which have creeped into this industry," Ms Ryan said.

Building owners and managers can sleep easy at night

" This is not only important in terms of ensuring that their good name is not sullied by the unethical practices of others, but also to ensure that they are meeting their own obligations under the OH&S Act," Ms Ryan said.

Wide range of organisations committed to the code

" Corporations who preference contract cleaners who are part of the Code will know that the highest possible workplace ethical standards, as well as green standards, will be met by these contractors," Lyndal Ryan said.

Market the Code

Ms Ryan said the union had this widespread support because community leaders understood that if we allow the contract tendering standards to drop through the floor our union's committed members cannot:

· Deliver healthy workplaces - whether they be commercial office blocks, schools and universities, or shopping malls;

· Protect immigrant workers,

· Deliver environmentally sound standards;

· Guarantee OHS principles

The major features of the Code

1. Provide time and wages records, and bank reconciliation statements showing the payment of wages, superannuation and long service leave payments so that they can be audited for Code standards;

2. Ensure that workplaces are safe and free of discrimination

3. Provide recognised training in how to perform cleaning work and minimise any health or safety risks

4. Recognise the right of workers to join unions and protect members and delegates from any type of victimisation

5. Deliver high standards of cleaning services in the most environmentally sound means possible

6. Prohibit the use of "sham" sub-contracting systems.

For further info:

Rodney Barnes - President BSCAA - 0403 383 700

For further information

Contact:	Andrew Casey
Union:	Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union
Phone:	8204 7206
Fax:	92821 4480
Email:	andrewc@lhmu.org.au
WWW:	http://www.lhmu.org.au/

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