Spotless Group Limited : Media Release - Update on Shopping Centre Action

Media Release

13 December 2011

Spotless: Three wage increases in 18 months United Voice union: Fuelled public filth fears for 12 months

While the United Voice union has threatened families with the prospect of dirty shopping centres for one year, Spotless has proudly passed on three wage increases to its cleaners in the last 18 months.
Spotless relies on having qualified and adequately paid employees. Above the base award rate, many Spotless cleaners receive penalty rates, overtime and extra allowances for certain types of work, averaging an hourly rate of $21 per hour.
Under the modern award, introduced by the current Government, cleaners have received three wage increases in the past 18 months, including a wage increase on 1 July 2011. The award is once again being reviewed in early 2012. An increase is expected in mid 2012.
The United Voice union could work with Spotless and Government to lobby for another pay review in 2012. Spotless has called upon the union to work with it to achieve this outcome. Regrettably, the union has refused to support this central wage review mechanism and has opted for primitive tactics that rely on alarming the public with a fear campaign threatening unhygienic conditions at shopping centres. The union's archaic actions are an affront to the public.
As the award is overseen by the workplace umpire, Fair Work Australia, it remains the best way to achieve equitable wages and conditions for all cleaners working across all sectors and industries and not just shopping centre cleaners.
While Spotless cleaning contracts overall generate only a three per cent margin, the award helps to ensure Spotless can sustain a future business. Current Spotless client contracts and new tenders are based on award rates and are generally escalated by award increases.
Spotless is regularly audited by regulators to ensure it complies with health and safety requirements. Spotless' management will investigative and act upon any complaints that are made by staff about equipment, protective clothing and a safe workplace.
As an employer of more than 5,000 cleaners in Australia, the welfare and safety of Spotless cleaners is paramount. High standards and safe workloads are maintained with a significant and ongoing investment in occupational health and safety training and support. Currently, over 500 Spotless cleaners are undertaking traineeships.
The union action to date has had limited participation by employees with most planned action having a one hour duration.

Media

Kerrina Lawrence: 03 9269 7582 / 0434 198 427
About Spotless www.spotless.com

Spotless is a leading international services company comprised of two distinct operations, Facility Services and Retailer Services. Established in 1946, Spotless is listed on the Australian and New Zealand Stock Exchanges. Spotless employs more than 40,000 people and skilled sub-contractors to deliver over 125 specialist services in thousands of locations. The Group's Facility Services operations supply catering, cleaning, maintenance, facility management and laundry services across a broad range of industry sectors. Retailer Services, operating under the brand Braiform, provides customised garment hanger and packaging solutions to retailers and garment