Darien Fenton Media Statement
Labour Member of Parliament

Spotless should shape up or ship out – MP

Labour MP Darien Fenton has today joined other calls for Australian Company Spotless Services to pay up or get out of the New Zealand public hospital sector.

She says her sympathy is with the 800 Spotless workers in Public Hospitals taking strike action today over Spotless' refusal to pay them the pay increase agreed to nine months ago.

“With all other contractors in the sector and the DHBs now paying a base rate of $14.25 an hour for cleaners, orderlies and kitchen staff, and the Labour-led government funding the increase, this is a very bad look for Spotless.

“Their actions smack of either stupidity or greed. It’s no wonder people are running out of patience with Spotless. If they want to continue to receive taxpayer funding to provide services in our hospitals, they should concentrate on treating workers fairly and providing good quality service.”

Ms Fenton says that Spotless should just pay up and deal with any arguments they have about funding with DHBs separately.

“It’s not the workers fault. They bargained in good faith and struck a deal,” Ms Fenton says.

“I detect no sympathy in the Labour Caucus for Spotless. We want the company to meet their obligations under the agreement it reached with the union and stop making their workers pay the price.

“It’s time for Spotless to shape up or ship out,” she said.

ENDS

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