On June 17, International Justice Day, the international umbrella trades union organisation UNI is leading the initiative to organise activities, on a Europe – wide day of action that is being planned on around the issue of ‘Respect for Cleaners’.
Activities are planned across the Europe in order to raise issues related to cleaning workers, such as low pay, limited hours, health and safety, and temporary work. The campaign is in support of the drawing up of a Cleaners Charter for Europe which all employers and contractors will now be asked to sign.
UNI wants the bodies and companies that award cleaning contracts to comply with certain standards regarding pay, hours, training, health and safety and dignity. They also want cleaning companies to adhere to the charter.
“Cleaning is essential work. Good cleaning by well trained cleaners on decent wages and fair conditions – that provides a quality service that benefits all,” said Nigel Flanagan, senior organiser at UNI.
“This campaign is about raising standards of cleaning and raising standards of employment for cleaners.”
