New South Wales
A copy of contract specifications for one of a handful of private companies contracted to clean the state’s schools show how cleaners are expected to complete 179 “regular” tasks as well as dozens more classed as “periodic”. The UWU points to iCare premiums as evidence cleaners in public schools have one of the highest injury rates in NSW; the most recent data from the state insurer shows the industry ranks alongside saw millers in terms of its classification.
Sign up for Guardian Australia’s free morning and afternoon email newsletters for your daily news roundup After the union raised its concerns about cleaner workloads, Labor promised to review the contracts, which it says will be completed by 2024 should the party win government.