Airport toilet troubles spark cleaners' ire

Toilet paper, rubber gloves and wipes are being handed out to passengers at Melbourne Airport as an industrial stoush between cleaners and their employer gets dirty.

By InvestSMART · 25 Aug 2011

By InvestSMART ·
25 Aug 2011

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Toilet paper, rubber gloves and wipes are being handed out to passengers at Melbourne Airport as an industrial stoush between cleaners and their employer gets dirty.

Cleaners this morning distributed free hygiene packs to passengers as they vote on whether to take industrial action in a bid for better pay.

United Voice, the cleaners' union, warned travellers could face overflowing rubbish bins and filthy toilets if the workers decided to strike once voting ends next week.

"People flying back home are likely to see a dirty airport, thanks to Spotless's refusal to back fair pay for its cleaners," United Voice Victorian Secretary Jess Walsh said.

"But we don't want anyone to be caught short or inconvenienced, so we're offering passengers hygiene packs to help them make a clean getaway."

The packs contain toilet paper, a rubber glove, anti-bacterial hand wash, a cloth, a wipe and a toilet-seat cover.

Angela Galeano, 64, has worked as a cleaner at Melbourne Airport for eight years.

She said her working conditions had deteriorated since Spotless took over the domestic terminal cleaning contract last year.

Ms Galeano said the cleaners, who earn $16.57 an hour, were fighting for a $1600 yearly airport allowance, which they had previously been paid.

The cleaners also want a daily toilet allowance, paid for cleaning toilets during a shift, doubled from $2 to $4.

Ms Galeano, who works night-shifts, said the workload was often overwhelming as the day-shift cleaners had to clean around the 5000 passengers who use the domestic terminal each day.

Ms Walsh said the airport allowance compensated workers, like Ms Galeano who commutes from St Kilda, for travel costs to the airport.

She said cleaners employed at other airports and in the international terminal received the allowance.

The Age has contacted Spotless for comment.

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Frequently Asked Questions about this Article…

What is the labour dispute at Melbourne Airport about and why are cleaners protesting?

Cleaners at Melbourne Airport, represented by the United Voice union, are disputing pay and allowances after Spotless took over the domestic terminal cleaning contract last year. They say working conditions have worsened and are voting on whether to take industrial action to win better pay and allowances.

Which companies and unions are involved in the Melbourne Airport cleaners dispute?

The dispute involves cleaning staff employed under Spotless’s contract at the domestic terminal and the United Voice union, which is organising the vote and public actions on behalf of the cleaners.

What pay and allowance changes are the cleaners demanding from Spotless?

Cleaners earning about $16.57 an hour are seeking a $1,600 yearly airport allowance they say was previously paid, plus a higher daily toilet cleaning allowance — from $2 to $4 — to reflect extra duties.

What actions have cleaners taken so far and when will any strike decision be made?

Cleaners have been handing out free hygiene packs to passengers while they vote on whether to take industrial action. United Voice said the vote closes next week; the union has warned passengers could face overflowing bins and dirty toilets if workers decide to strike.

What did passengers receive during the cleaners’ protest and why is that relevant?

Passengers were handed hygiene packs containing toilet paper, a rubber glove, anti-bacterial hand wash, a cloth, a wipe and a toilet-seat cover. The packs were distributed as a precaution while the union warned of potential sanitation issues if cleaners strike.

How might this cleaning dispute affect airport operations and passenger experience?

United Voice warned travellers could encounter overflowing rubbish bins and filthy toilets if cleaners strike. The article notes day-shift cleaners already clean around 5,000 domestic-terminal passengers a day, suggesting the workload could amplify any service disruptions.

What should everyday investors monitor about the Spotless cleaners dispute?

Investors may want to watch the union vote outcome, further statements from Spotless and United Voice, media updates on any industrial action, and any official reports of disruption at the domestic terminal — all of which could affect operational continuity and reputational risk.

Has Spotless responded to the cleaners’ claims or the union’s warnings?

The article says The Age contacted Spotless for comment; no response from Spotless was included in the report.