Fair Work Ombudsman review leads Quayclean to adopt new business model

January 13, 2020

An on-site audit investigation by the Fair Work Ombudsman into employment and payment structures of two sub-contracting companies used by Quayclean at Marvel Stadium in 2017 has been the catalyst to completely overhaul the company’s operational and business model.

Quayclean Australia has advised that immediately following the Fair Work Ombudsman (FWO) on-site inspection, it undertook its own full review into existing customer relationships and operations, including where work may have been completed through sub-contracted companies.

Quayclean Chief Executive, Mark Piwkowski said as a result of this review, Quayclean overhauled its operational and business model to adopt a fully employed model under the Modern Award to eradicate the risk of non-compliance by sub-contractors.

Piwkowski advised “there is no allegation that Quayclean has ever underpaid its employees (and) we regret that sub-contracting staff were allegedly underpaid by sub-contractors and we are pleased payments have been fully rectified.”

Piwkowski said the fully employed labour model was implemented at Marvel Stadium within 10 days of the FWO inspection in 2017 and has since been included in all new and renewed contracts.

He added “Quayclean uses a fully employed labour model and now has over 1500 staff across the country. Speciality contractors, if used, are for high window cleaning or specialty cleaning where local staff are not available.

“Our change to a fully employed model has been fully supported by our customers and we are very grateful for their ongoing support.

“Our approach has been to work with market sectors and customers to help them understand and respect the value of site presentation and cleaning, whilst developing systems, technologies and resources that optimise labour in the most efficient manner.

“We will continue to educate procurement managers of the true cost of cleaning and presentation services. The work that we provide cannot be allowed to be undervalued because of a strong desire for cheap pricing.”

Piwkowski concluded that Quayclean Australia acknowledges and accepts the role of the FWO and has fully complied with all questions and requests.

Image: Quaycean staff at Melbourne's Marvel Stadium.

13th January 2020 - Fair Work Ombudsman alleges underpayment of stadium cleaners

8th October 2019 - Sydney Showground becomes Quayclean’s next big challenge

7th October 2019 - Fair Work Ombudsman audits cleaning operations at Optus Stadium

7th October 2019 - New report reveals NSW’s cleanest and dirtiest swimming sites

24th September 2019 - Quayclean to innovate with waste movement and separation with new Metricon Stadium contract

9th September 2019 - Fair Work Ombudsman reveals audit of stadia cleaning contractors

27th June 2019 - Quayclean prepares for weekend of multiple sporting fixtures

5th June 2019 - Quayclean champions waste reduction on World Environment Day

2nd May 2019 - Quayclean prepares for AFL triple header at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium

8th April 2019 - Quayclean’s Commonwealth Games achievements help team members in career advancement

22nd March 2019 - Quayclean secures Blacktown Key Venues contract

4th March 2019 - Quayclean Australia secures Adelaide Oval cleaning contract

30th May 2018 - Fair Work Ombudsman fines ISS Facility Services for underpaying MCG cleaners

15th November 2017 - Quayclean secures naming rights for Sydney Olympic Park Sports Centre

23rd February 2017 - Fair Work Commission cuts Sunday and public holiday penalty rates

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