12 October 2009
For Immediate release

Kiwi Cleaners to join thousands worldwide to stand up against poverty

Low paid cleaners and their supporters will rally in Auckland tomorrow (Tuesday 13 October) to stand up against poverty in New Zealand.

The action is being held in the lead up to the United Nations International Day for the Eradication of Poverty on Saturday 17 October.

"Cleaners are joining the worldwide campaign against poverty, but we need to act locally and take a stand against poverty in our own backyard, New Zealand because everyday we see and experience poverty in our communities and in our own families and that is the reality." said SFWU Cleaners union delegate Vaine Lavakai

"Thousands of New Zealand families live in poverty because of the low wages workers are paid and that includes us cleaners who are only getting paid $12.55 an hour. How can I feed my five children on that rate and only work 24 hours a week? My family definitely cannot survive on this."

"Our families are struggling to make ends meet. Sometimes we want to send our children to school camps and other school trips but we cant because we dont have enough money.Therefore we have poor health and poor education outcomes for our children because of poverty in our communities."

"The message from cleaners of the Service and Food Workers Union to cleaning contractors and building owners for International Anti Poverty Week is to do the right thing and lift cleaners out of poverty in New Zealand. Treat us with respect and pay us the same rate of $14.62 an hour like our cleaners in public hospitals and directly employed school cleaners." said Vaine.

Cleaners and their supporters challenge the cleaning contractors and building owners to face up to their responsibilities on International Anti Poverty Day and make a commitment to tackle the issue of poverty in their own buildings and provide cleaners with fair pay and allow them to live in dignity.

On Tuesday 13 October at Midday, cleaners in the Clean Start Fair Deal for Cleaners campaign are going to be protesting in Auckland's CBD.

Notes for Editors

Cleaners in Auckland City will meet at Britomart, downtown at 12 noon for a rally, followed by a march in the CBD area (further details to be confirmed on the day).

Service and Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota
www.sfwu.org

ENDS

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