A delegation of contract cleaners from SIPTU’s Fair Deal for Cleaners Campaign and workers from the Communication Workers Union gathered outside of the Dutch Embassy in Dublin on Tuesday (14th February) in support of striking cleaners in the Netherlands. Thousands of Dutch cleaners have been on strike for more than 30 days in pursuit of fair working conditions and decent pay.
The protesting cleaners who work in healthcare, transport and education sectors in Dublin received encouragement from passers-by as chants of support rang out for the Dutch cleaners for well over an hour.
Anna Amelia Pimentel, a cleaner in the Blackrock Clinic, handed in a letter on behalf of the protesters addressed to the Dutch Ambassador calling upon the government of the Netherlands and Dutch multinationals to support the demands of the cleaners and settle the strike as a matter of urgency.
As she handed the letter to the Ambassador’s representative, Anna explained “We are here today to show our solidarity with our brothers and sisters in the Netherlands. They are demanding a better future for their industry and respect and dignity at work.”
Contract cleaners in Ireland have recently organised a successful campaign through their union SIPTU to establish a new Registered Employment Agreement guaranteeing minimum terms and conditions for all contract cleaners.
Ethel Buckley, National Campaigns and Equality Organiser for SIPTU pledged further actions in support of the Dutch cleaners: “We have received great support and encouragement from cleaners and their unions throughout Europe for our campaign for a Fair Deal for Cleaners. We are proud to stand in support of the Dutch cleaners. Their demands are just and reasonable-enough time to do the job, better job security and a fair wage to take care of their families. Today, we pledge our continued support until such time as this strike is settled.”