“What do people think of us? They think we’re not very smart. Then they sit down with me for ten minutes and I prove them wrong.” Laundry worker, Alan Doyle, spoke during delegates training today about how his work is perceived, and how he’s fought for and won improvements at Alsco Linen Service. United Voice delegate training is for delegates to develop their skills, including how to build union power in their workplace by signing up co-workers to our union and helping members fight for their rights. “People come to me because they know I’m not afraid of the bosses. It’s a constant fight, but we’re bringing in a whole heap of safety improvements soon, including standardising load weights and lifts to help move heavy loads,” said Alan. “We also have a new heat policy, giving staff extra breaks, water fountains, fans and other cooling devices, plus we’ve improved the sick leave policy. “The only way we can get these things through is because the membership stands together.” The perception of cleaners is also something delegate Michelle Loetsch has to deal with on a regular basis working for SecureClean at Bayside Shopping Centre in Frankston, where she’s been for the past eight years. During training, she discussed why being union has empowered her to help others. “I’ve had everyone from snotty-nosed teenagers to grey-haired matrons say to me: ‘you’re just a cleaner’, like that – ‘just a cleaner’. People don’t understand how hard this job is – or that it’s essential. “But I think I’m amazing. I’m the public face, not only of the cleaning company, but also the shopping centre. I’m a cleaner; but I’m also a PR person, a centre guide, a social worker for the elderly who just want to chat to someone about their lives. In this job I’ve learned to multi-task. “I’m union because I love history - going back to the Eureka Stockade people learned that the only way to have power is to stand together and get organised. Strength lies in our numbers. If we stick together we can achieve so much.” Congratulations to both Alan and Michelle for speaking out and standing up for their comrades! Click here to join your union: https://members.unitedvoice.org.au/ Or share this post to spread the word!
Posted on: Tue, 19 Aug 2014 06:50:30 +0000
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