Cleanevent denies allegations of illegal subcontracting

Leisure and facility cleaning contractors Cleanevent have issued a statement distancing themselves from allegations of illegal subcontracting in cleaning facility contracts.

Following an article Cleaning Industries dirty secrets in the Weekend Australian which revealed illegal subcontracting in contract cleaning, with cleaning companies employing people 'off the books', CleanDomain and Cleanevent have stressed that they only employ direct staff who are paid pays under either a federal, state or certified Enterprise Bargaining Agreements.

The Cleanevent statement adds "we do not sub-contract and are disappointed and concerned that some within our industry disregard their employeesâ rights and the trust of their clients."

The statement continues that illegal subcontracting and employing people 'off the books', "has and continues to disadvantage employees, clients and the community.

"While there appears to be a focus on property owners and managers the real issue resides within the industry and it is incumbent on the industry, with the support of property owners and managers, to change the practice.

"This practice allows temporary savings and cost cutting for cleaning services, at the expense of employee entitlements, corporate responsibility and at times state and federal laws.

"While we understand that in some cases it is difficult to prove the presence of sub-contracting, there are three methods that applied, in conjunction with each other, can assist in defining whether an employee is legitimately employed. These are:

• Our workers compensation certificate now clearly states the number of staff and/or the amount of payroll. If the cleaning company turns over significant revenue but has low numbers of staff or wages declared, then this should raise the flag; and
• Superannuation certificates or declarations made by the superannuation funds, in conjunction with the cleaning companies, clearly states the employees on site for whom the superannuation contributions are paid up to date. This proves the employee is employed directly by the company; and
• All students are to provide student identification and working visa as a part of the verification of their employment status. This establishes the studentâs right to work and provides the opportunity for property owners and managers to verify the student is not in breach of their visa terms and conditions."

It adds that "we strongly believe that:

• The cleaning industry needs to have a long term career minded attitude and workforce, ensuring that employee rights, legal entitlements and welfare is not compromised;
• The cleaning industry needs to ensure that cleaners are paid in accordance with the industrial framework; and
• Cleaners need to be provided with training, development and career opportunities, like those in most other industries."

In the statement, Robi Rogerson, Managing Director Cleanevent Asia Pacific concluded "we believe that savings and efficiencies are achievable with technology, innovation and cooperation between the cleaning industry, clients, employees and the Unions.

"We support the rights of the thousands of Australians engaged in the cleaning industry and urge the clients who use these services to look carefully into the practices of their cleaning companies."

20th August 2008 - LOVETT STANDS DOWN AT CLEANEVENT