According to a recent post on the United Voice’s website, ‘The MCC (Melbourne Cricket Club) has reminded ISS of their obligations under the current contract and we (United Voice) have advised that ISS must ensure that all of their employment obligations are met.
‘MCG cleaners confirmed on Saturday that ISS has offered jobs to subcontracted staff and will pay them the correct Award rates, meaning pay rises of up to $16 per hour. Cleaners also report that Ombudsman and WorkSafe inspectors conducted raids at Saturday’s Hawthorn vs Port Power game, interviewing ISS managers and subcontracted cleaners,’ states UV.
‘United Voice lawyers will now expand their investigation, going to the Fair Work Commission this week to push for full disclosure of cleaning contracts at the MCG over the past four football and cricket seasons as well as at other key city buildings cleaned by ISS. United Voice officials estimate that ISS, as the head contractor and real employer, owes low-paid MCG cleaners more than $500,000 in underpayments over a four year period.
‘Two weeks ago ISS subcontractor First Placement Consultants was exposed in the media for shipping overseas students from the Philippines to clean the MCG and paying them up to $16 an hour below award rates of pay. Cleaners report that similar rip-offs have occurred at other ISS sites. The company is contracted to clean the Supreme Court, the Telstra tower and QV complex.’