'Clean Start ' dialogue welcomed

The Building Service Contractors of New Zealand (BSCNZ) – the trade association representing the contract cleaning industry – welcomes the dialogue generated by the launch of the Australasian Clean Start – Fair Deal for Cleaners campaign.

BSCNZ represents cleaning contractors ranging in size from small owner-operator and family run businesses through to large multi national contractors. The association says calls for a fair deal are already being acted upon by its members.

BSCNZ Executive Director Marja Verkerk said the association’s members represent the “responsible segment of our industry. For instance our members' wage rates are required to be in line with the industry Multi Employer Collective Agreement (MECA) – offering minimum rates that are higher than what is required by law.”

Ms Verkerk said the current minimum MECA rate was $10.95 an hour.
Of our member employers pay their staff well above this rate – and some employers have 40% or more of their staff above the minimum rate. Also, completion of ITO qualifications offered by our members can lead up to an increase of 25 cents per hour.”

“In addition, our members do not pay youth rates, we adhere to strict health and safety guidelines and are key promoters of professional training and qualifications via the Building Services Industry Training Organisation,” said Ms Verkerk.

She admitted the industry – which includes companies providing property services such as security, pest control and external building and window cleaning – faces a number of challenges.

“These include high staff turnover, a culturally diverse workforce and extremely competitive tender-driven industry where price is currently the only differentiation.

“That’s why the BSCNZ actively engages with all stakeholders – including building owners, tenants and employees to work through and overcome these challenges. We are also actively working to ensure our industry and its workers receive the recognition they deserve,” she said.

ENDS

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