Campaign to keep school cleaners

School cleaners voted to take industrial action after the Department of Education and Training (DET) revealed 6000 cleaners' jobs will be up for grabs from 2005.

In 2005 cleaners' contracts will be up for renewal and unlike the two contracts since cleaning was privatised, cleaners' jobs are not protected.

NSW Liquor, Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union (LHMU) Cleaners Union President Jim Lloyd said members at 50 meetings endorsed a resolution authorising a campaign of increased industrial action to defeat the government proposal.

Mr Lloyd said NSW Government plans to cut costs and balance the budget could see school communities having to accept lower standards of classroom cleanliness from next year.

"[Premier] Bob Carr wants to stretch the commitment of teachers and parents to our education system with his plan to drastically cut funding for school cleaning," he said.

Mr Lloyd said DET has floated plans to only directly fund a 'basic' standard of cleaning -- and invite schools to resource the balance from elsewhere.

"This means the burden will fall on school teachers, parents and their families or even local community volunteers to maintain any standards in school playgrounds, classrooms and toilet blocks.

"Can you imagine parents being asked to go on a roster to regularly clean classrooms, toilets and playgrounds?"

Mr Lloyd said it's not too late to stop the NSW Government's cuts to school cleaning.

"But we need to work together to change the Government's mind."

"Here's how you can help:

• "Raise the issue at your school -- Teachers Federation meetings and local P&C groups.
• "Invite members of the LHMU Cleaners Union to speak at your community meetings.
• "Write a letter to Premier Carr, the Education Minister and your local State MP.
• "Write letters of support to local papers or ring your local talkback radio host.
• "Join with your school cleaners in local campaign events," Mr Lloyd said.

For more information contact the LHMU Cleaners Union President, Jim Lloyd, (02) 8204 7204 or jim@lhmu.org.au or visit the union website at www.lhmu.org.au

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August 2004 contents