ABC

Service sector issues Govt 'solid pass mark'

ABC November 6, 2009, 8:42 am

The Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Union (LHMU) says the ACT Government has made solid progress improving conditions for service sector workers in its first year since re-election.

Local hospitality workers, cleaners, security guards and child care workers gathered in Canberra yesterday to give the Government an annual 'report card'.

LHMU ACT branch secretary Lyndal Ryan says the Government should be applauded for introducing portable long service leave schemes and improving conditions for cleaners.

But she says other service workers have not fared as well.

"Cleaners have had a portability of leave for 10 years now and security officers are yet to have portable leave. I think it's a solid pass with room for improvement," she said.

"Our members in child care want to see child-adult ratios of one to three for the care of babies and the Government hasn't been able to give that commitment.

"And for aged care - very disappointed that residential aged care workers were left out of the community sector portability scheme."

Industrial Relations Minister Joy Burch says the Government is prepared to discuss the union's concerns.

"We're certainly willing and looking forward to working and talking with the union just to see how we can work through these points," she said.

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