Hospital Lockout Ends

27 February 2001

Union Credits Community Support

Workers at Wellington, Kenepuru and Paraparaumu hospitals will return to work after their employer, Spotless Services agreed to lift lockout notices.

The Service & Food Workers Union says one hundred cleaners, locked out since Monday will return to work Wednesday morning after Spotless lifted its indefinite lockout notice late Tuesday.

Union spokesperson Alastair Duncan says the lifting of the lockout is a victory for the strength of the workforce and community support.

"The high morale on the picket lines and the growing support from within the hospitals and wider community have been critical in bringing this shameful business to an end.

"Now hospital cleaner can resume their work of keeping our public hospitals clean and safe."

On Friday the union will meet with Spotless to resume collective negotiations.

"We will resume negotiations to settle a new collective all the more determined to defend the rights of hospital cleaners to respect and dignity on the job.

For further information telephone Alastair Duncan - 04 494 9962 (direct), or 021 137 4228 (mobile).

Paula Taylor Publicist/Editor Service & Food Workers Union Private Bag 68-914 Newton, Auckland 1032 Tel: 09 375 2683 ext 822 Fax: 09 375 2681

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