Thursday, December 03, 2015

Win for Myer Cleaner Rafael Colobon

A whistle-blower sacked after exposing widespread exploitation of cleaners at retail icon Myer is back at work today following a major campaign by his union.

Rafael Colobon, 24, a Myer cleaner, was sacked after revealing dozens of cleaners were being ripped off through subcontracting and sham contracts at the stores.

Following a major campaign by his union and the community, a delighted Mr Colobon returned to work today, pending a hearing of his full case later this month.

He himself was underpaid by at least $7000 over a period of three months while working at Myer Melbourne.

Jess Walsh, Victorian Secretary of United Voice, the cleaners union welcomed Mr Colobon’s reinstatement saying it serves as a warning to employers that they can’t get away with exploiting vulnerable workers.

“This is just the latest example of vulnerable workers being ripped off by unscrupulous employers. We saw it at 7-Eleven, with fruit and vegetable workers and again now with Myer cleaners. There is a real crisis of fear, insecurity and exploitation across Australia right now,” Ms Walsh told Working Life.

“We need political leadership to rebuild the Australian culture of a fair go for all, where everyone can be free to exercise their rights.”

And Mr Colohon, originally from Colombia, says all he wants is the chance to do a decent day’s work for a decent day’s pay.

“Cleaners like me work incredibly hard to keep Myer clean and hygienic and we deserve decent, secure jobs. All I tried to do was ensure we were paid properly.”

A Myer subcontractor called INCI Corp Property Services had hired Mr Colobon after Myer originally contracted Spotless to do its cleaning.

Almost 4000 people signed an online petition to Myer seeking his reinstatement.

Ms Walsh hailed Mr Colohon’s return to work as: ”a victory for any worker who wants to speak out about being ripped-off and mistreated at work”.

“People rely on these insecure jobs to get by and they’re scared to speak out. Right now, no one will take responsibility for what’s happening to them. Everyone’s looking the other way.

“Today, Mr Colobon expressed gratitude for community support, saying he wasn’t just fighting to get his own job back.

“I was fighting for everyone’s right to speak out when employers do the wrong thing, like putting us on sham contracts and underpaying us. I’m so grateful for the support I’ve received from across Australia,” he said.

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