Minister for Health Dr Marisa Paterson (right) and Deputy Chief Minister Rachel Stephen-Smith (middle) presented Canberra Hospital cleaners and members of the United Workers Union with new Canberra Health Services uniforms. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Over 300 private Canberra Hospital cleaners will soon be added to the ACT Public Service after signing a new deal for long-term secure work.
In the past, private contractors would compete for cleaning contracts with the Canberra Hospital, often on 3-year deals, making it difficult for workers to plan for or commit to long-term employment.
From 1 October, the cleaners, along with three gardeners, will be permanently on the ACT Government payroll following a 13-year campaign by the United Workers Union (UWU).
Many within the UWU argued that private contracting limited career progression for cleaners and added stress due to the lack of job security.
With the transition to public service, many cleaners, including Thinley Jamtsho, believe they can now rest easy and work more effectively, knowing their positions are secure.
“We are very grateful to the union for their support and their courage,” Mr Jamtsho said.
“We see this as a chance for our personal and professional growth. We step forward to we step forward as educated and dependable public servants.”
Standard Canberra Health Services uniform for cleaners at the Canberra Hospital. Photo: Jarryd Rowley.
Cleaners were presented with their new Canberra Health Services (CHS) uniforms, designed after consultation with the UWU.
Collin Sturgiss was one of the workers consulted. He said it was important the cleaners were given a uniform that was both comfortable and practical.
“For my team and me, having a uniform gives us a lot of pride,” he said.
“It means we’re represented as a team. We all work together to keep the hospital in as good a condition as we can, so all wearing the same uniform really demonstrates that.
“For me personally, I have to wear Hi-Vis, so having something that means I can be seen while also being able to work was also very important.”
ACT Minister for Health Marisa Paterson applauded the work of the Canberra Hospital’s cleaners while calling the handover of uniforms a proud and important milestone.
“This is about recognising the more than 300 cleaners whose work helps keep our health facilities running every day,” she said.
“While much of their work happens behind the scenes, cleaners make an enormous contribution to patient safety and the experience of everyone who visits our hospitals and community health centres.
“Cleaners play an essential role in keeping hospitals and community health facilities clean, safe, and welcoming for patients, visitors, and staff.
“For many cleaners, the uniform represents recognition of the work they do every day to support patient safety, infection prevention, and a positive experience for everyone who uses our health services.”
Cleaners are also currently undergoing CHS induction ahead of the 1 October transition.
“This has been a long process over the past year to move Canberra cleaning services from an external provider to in-sourced within Canberra Health Services,” Dr Paterson said.
“This will have a lot of advantages for our hospital in terms of creating a clean, safe, welcoming building and services for Canberrans.”
