23/2/08
Employment Protection Minister Michelle Roberts today announced the State Government’s new measures to protect pay conditions for contract cleaners and security guards who work in Government buildings.
“The new measures seek to ensure that contract cleaners are paid the same as cleaners employed directly by the Government,” Mrs Roberts said.
“The State Government is improving the pay conditions for some of Western Australia’s lowest paid workers. Many cleaners are single working mothers, students and recent migrants to our State.
“Cleaning contractors tendering for Government business will have to pay cleaners a minimum of $17.90 an hour, which equates to an increase of about $61 per week for low-paid, full-time cleaners.”
The Minister said security guard contractors would have to pay guards in accordance with the private sector Security Officers’ Award.
“Better pay and conditions for cleaners and security guards will help the State Government retain staff,” she said.
Mrs Roberts said WorkChoices had enabled contractors to undercut award conditions using Australian Workplace Agreements (AWAs).
“The changes to pay conditions for contract cleaners and security guards demonstrate how determined the State Government is to abolish AWAs, in line with the Federal Government’s policy,” she said.
Secretary of the Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU) Dave Kelly said the union applauded the State Government’s decision to increase pay for cleaners.
“Cleaner’s currently earn about $14.50 an hour, so this policy marks a significant wage increase for thousands of WA cleaners,” Mr Kelly said.
Minister's office - 9213 6600
