10. Spotless entities accused of underpayments by Wage Inspectorate Victoria
In September, the Wage Inspectorate Victoria announced it had filed charges in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria against Spotless Facility Services Pty Ltd and Spotless Services Australia Limited, alleging they failed to pay more than $17,000 in long service leave entitlements to 13 former employees.
9. Brisbane Airport Corporation appoints new cleaning service provider
In August, Brisbane Airport Corporation announced it had signed the largest cleaning contract in BNE’s history, with the appointment of Trident Services Australia as the new cleaning and minor maintenance service provider.
The service contract includes cleaning at Brisbane’s Domestic Terminal, International Terminal, Carparks, BNE Service Centre, Kingsford Smith Memorial, Airport Operations Centre, Airport Freight Centre, General Aviation Terminal, Skygate Shopping Centre, DFO Carparks and BAC administration offices.
8. ISS signs new banking customer in Australia
In January, ISS announced it had entered a new five-year partnership with a major banking client in Australia. The services in the contract include cleaning, security, concierge, workplace, technical maintenance, asset management and helpdesk.
7. BIC Services, Abco announce new preferred supplier partnership
In March, cleaning services provider BIC Services announced it had signed a new supply agreement with Abco Products. The new partnership followed a review by BIC Services of its procurement and supply chain after being acquired by Bidvest last year.
6. 2023 ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo expands to meet demand
In February, ISSA announced it had secured a larger space at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre for the 2023 ISSA Cleaning & Hygiene Expo, to accommodate the growing number of participants.
Held in Melbourne last month, the 33 per cent increase in hall spaced provided even more exhibitors with the opportunity to showcase their products and services on a larger scale, allowing them to reach a wider audience and engage with more potential customers.
5. Penalties for underpayment of stadium cleaners
In August, the Fair Work Ombudsman secured a total of $332,964 in penalties in court in response to underpayment of cleaners at Etihad Stadium (now Marvel Stadium) in Melbourne’s Docklands.
The penalties were the result of an investigation and legal action by the Fair Work Ombudsman in response to 25 stadium cleaners being underpaid a total of $99,637 between February and June 2017 as a result of being paid unlawfully low flat rates.
4. ServiceFM introduces cleaning robots at Adelaide Airport
In July, Adelaide Airport became one of the first airports in Australia with cleaning robots after being deployed by workplace environment specialist, ServiceFM.
“We are excited to introduce cutting-edge cleaning robots in collaboration with ServiceFM at Adelaide Airport,” said Dermot O’Neill, Adelaide Airport’s executive general manager, people, culture, and customer.
“This initiative aligns with our commitment to providing a safe and hygienic environment for passengers and staff. The introduction of these advanced robots will enhance our cleaning operations and contribute to the overall well-being of our airport community,” said O’Neill.
3. Union calls for change to NSW school cleaning contracts
In February, United Workers Union called for school cleaning contracts in New South Wales to be brought back under direct state government control following claims of underpayments and unsafe cleaning workloads.
The claims followed the release of a survey conducted by United Workers Union of more than 400 school cleaners across the state.
According to the survey, half of respondents said that they did not have enough time to complete the necessary cleaning and a quarter said they had not been properly paid by private contractors.
2. Bidvest acquires Consolidated Property Services
In September, South African industrial group Bidvest acquired Consolidated Property Services (CPS) from its private shareholders.
At the time, the acquisition was expected to double the group’s facilities management footprint in Australia and followed the purchase of Sydney-based BIC Services by Bidvest in July 2022.
1. Sydney cleaning business fined $124,186
In April, the Fair Work Ombudsman s secured $124,186 penalties in court against a Sydney-based cleaning services company and its former manager after they underpaid two visa holders and provided false records.
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