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As revealed by a recent survey, a subset of the lowest-paid workers in Australia has been profoundly affected by the cost-of-living crisis, which has incited a protest.
The event brought together cleaners from throughout the state to demonstrate against the failed privatisation of cleaning services in NSW Government buildings.
Protesters included colleagues from the mid-north coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, and Canberra, among others.
The United Workers Union poll shows that school cleaners in New South Wales have it rough. As a result of rising housing prices and poor income (as low as $24.07 per hour), cleaners often have to cut back on necessities.
Almost three-quarters of cleaners reported a significant increase in rent or mortgage expenses in the last year, leading to delays in medical treatment, cutbacks on heating, and even missing meals due to financial constraints.
United Workers Union Property Services Director Lyndal Ryan emphasised the severity of the situation, stating, “The survey reveals in stark detail that when prices soar, it’s the lowest paid who cop it the worst.”
The survey also sheds light on the inadequate support provided to cleaners by private sector contractors, with reports of reduced hours, lack of necessary equipment, and insufficient time to complete tasks.
According to Ryan, this reflects a “race-to-the-bottom” tendering system prioritising profits over the well-being of cleaners.
Cleaners themselves echoed these sentiments, with one respondent lamenting, “I work two jobs just to have food and a roof. My rent went up $185 a week, I’m now using my savings to survive.”
Rallygoers are demanding that the New South Wales government do something about the terrible working conditions that government building cleaners endure. Urgent action is required to ensure that cleaners, who are among the most indispensable members of our communities, are treated fairly and with dignity, as they are currently grappling with unsuitable working conditions and cannot afford to make ends meet.
Related: Canberra Community Calls for Action to End Violence Against Women
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