New Zealand cleaners rally to highlight International Cleaners Day – 15 June.
 

On Monday 15th June cleaners across the world will be celebrating International Cleaners Day. This is a very important day to cleaners because it highlights the fact that the work they do is very critical in keeping buildings clean and hygienic to protect the workers and public from swine flu pandemic and other germs. It’s also a good time to focus on solving the problems cleaners face in New Zealand and around the world.

In New Zealand, lunchtime rallies of hundreds of cleaners together with their families, religious and community leaders in Christchurch, Wellington and Auckland will see cleaners reaching out to cleaning contractors, building owners and tenants for better pay and respect.

Clean Start Union Lead Organiser Fala Haulangi says these rallies will be an opportunity for Building owners and tenants to see the invisible workers who work hard to keep their buildings clean. 

"Every night hundreds of largely Pacific Island and new immigrant workers travel to various buildings in the cities where they live to begin their work. While office blocks are emptying out the cleaners are beginning their night’s work. While cleaners may only be paid $12.55 - just five cents above the minimum wage - the work they do is a critical part of every successful business."
 
"No office, airport or shopping mall, can function long without us cleaners. Yet we are treated as invisible workers with no respect. All that we want is decent work, proper training on health and safety, job security and fair pay. But most of all is Respect," Said Vaine Lavaka, a cleaning delegate from Auckland.
 
Fala Haulangi says a feature of this year’s International Cleaners Day will be the position taken by building owners in support of improved pay and conditions.
 
"Despite the talk of tough times responsible property owners know the importance of a well maintained and well presented building. By supporting a better deal for cleaners they are investing in their own property.”
 
Today we ask you to celebrate with us. By working together the Cleaning Industry can make a difference in our city. 
 
Wellington - the rally begins at 12 noon to 1pm at Te Rauparaha Park, Porirua.

Auckland – the rally begins at 12 noon to 1pm at Downtown (foot of Queen St) followed by a march up Queen Street to Aotea Square.

Christchurch – leafleting begins at 12 noon to 1pm at the CBD. 
 
ENDS

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