11 November 2008
Cleaners demonstrate outside Myers
TODAY – 11 November 2008
Cleaners around the country are protesting outside Myer stores today because they’re sick of waiting
for Myers’ primary cleaning contractor, Menzies, to sort out problems in their work.
The LHMU – The cleaners’ union has removed Menzies from the Clean Start Responsible Contracting
list because of their refusal to negotiate on the Clean Start Collective Agreement. As a Responsible
Contracting signatory, Menzies had committed to provide quality services to clients and good jobs to
cleaners.
So far 19 of the Responsible Contractors have signed on to the Clean Start Agreement which is all
about finally achieving fair pay and fair working conditions for cleaners. To date Menzies had not been
a part of negotiations despite numerous approaches.
“We’re disappointed Menzies has adopted this hard-headed approach to their hard-working cleaners. I
know of one worker who has resigned in disgust,” says Louise Tarrant, LHMU National Secretary.
“We have reports from cleaners of breaches of the award by Menzies. The Menzies Group of
Companies made more than $8.2 million in profit last year – profit that is backed up by cleaners’ sweat
and tears on the job. Cleaners deserve better from Menzies. That’s why they’ll be demonstrating
outside Myers stores today.”
Local Myer store demonstration details and contacts:
Adelaide:
4-5 pm, Myer City Store, North Terrace entrance – Chris Field 0419 829 762
Brisbane:
12 noon, Myer City Store - Ben Jones 0439 758 894
Canberra:
12 noon Myer Store Tuggeranong – Lyndal Ryan 0411 643 982
Hobart:
12 noon, Myer City Store – David O’Byrne – 0417 374 865
Perth:
12 noon at Myer City Store. Forrest Chase - Carolyn Smith 0403 464 331
Sydney:
12 noon, Myer City Store, George Street - Nada Vlatko 0425 242 691
Contact: Nada Vlatko, LHMU National Office - 0425 242 691
NEWS 
