In a groundbreaking move, the government has announced the insourcing of hospital cleaners and caterers, a decision that has been warmly welcomed by the Union representing these essential workers.
Today ACT Labor has committed to insourcing cleaning services at Canberra Hospital and community health facilities and cleaning and food services at North Canberra Hospital in the next term of government.
Quotes attributable to Helen, ACT Hospital Cleaner for 12 years:
“Cleaners in our public health system protect patients and health workers. But right now, we aren’t protected by secure jobs. Every few years, at the end of the company’s contract, our wages and conditions can be slashed, or we can lose our jobs altogether.
“Second-class working conditions can’t support a first-class health system. We know school cleaners in the ACT won direct employment and our school cleaners have never had it better.
“This is a game-changer for us. Direct employment means we will finally have job security, fair pay and better conditions. It’s a huge relief for all cleaners who have been struggling for far too long.”
Quotes attributable to Lyndal Ryan, United Workers Union Property Services Director:
“We commend the government for taking this progressive action. It sets a positive example for other sectors and organisations to follow. The pandemic was a lightbulb moment for the ACT community to understand that outsourcing equals insecure work and poor working conditions.
“Today’s announcement comes in response to the strong evidence provided by United Workers Union members that direct employment supports better services and provides secure employment for essential workers.”
Quotes attributable to Rachel Stephen-Smith, ACT Labor spokesperson for Health:
“Cleaners and food service workers in our public hospitals and health facilities play a vital role in keeping patients safe and well. They are essential to the running of our health system.
“Insourcing these services and supporting direct employment will deliver benefits for health services and workers.
“Our cleaners and food services staff have told me they are incredibly proud of the work they do, but they really want secure jobs as part of the Canberra Health Services team.
“ACT Labor is committed to supporting better pay and conditions for some of our most valuable but lowest paid workers because we know it benefits workers, their families and the entire community.”