Wednesday 14 Feb, 12noon.

Cleaning company takes its cleaners to court over candle vigil

Cleaners and supporters planning Valentines Day Vigils calling for dignity at work have been met with a court case by cleaning company Total Property Services, says the Service and Food Workers Union.

The Valentines Day vigils are planned to start at 12 noon on February 14 and will continue until 12 noon on February 15 at the Price Waterhouse Coopers Building in Auckland and the State Insurance Building in Wellington.

Total Property Services cleaner Api Ielemia says that she is determined to go ahead with the vigils despite Total Property Services' court action.

"We are planning to sing hymns, read prayers and light candles on Valentines Day outside buildings cleaned by the contract cleaning firm Total Property Services," said cleaner Api Ielemia.

"These big bullies are saying we can't even read a prayer or light a candle, but we're going to do it anyway."

Service and Food Workers Union Secretary John Ryall said that Total Property is seeking an urgent compliance order to prevent the cleaners holding their Valentines Day vigil in support of their human rights.

"The Service and Food Workers Union has been working with building owners, the Property Council and the cleaning workforce to make cleaning jobs better" said Mr Ryall.

"We think there needs to be more care, more love, and more dignity for cleaners in their workplaces, and we're saddened that Total Property doesn't agree," concluded Ryall.

Faith and Justice leaders disappointed with Total Property stance

"I am looking forward to reading a sermon I've written for the cleaners, so I'll be very disappointed if Total Property's actions mean we can't go ahead" said Presbyterian Church Minister Reverend Mua Strickson Pua.

"I think it is fundamental to human rights for people to be able gather together and make the world a more caring place, and big companies like Total Property shouldn't be able to stand in cleaners' way" said Rev Strickson Pua.

Cleaners determined vigils to go ahead

Members of the public are invited to show their support for cleaners by coming to the vigils in Auckland and Wellington.

The Auckland vigil will be opened by Deputy Mayor Bruce Hucker and Reverend Mua Strickson Pua of the Presbyterian Church. The Wellington Vigil will be opened by Pastor Popo Sua of the Samoan Congregational Christian Church.

ENDS

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