The United Workers Union (UWU) has achieved significant milestones in the cleaning industry for 2024, notably with the expansion of Portable Long Service Leave in Victoria and verified wage increases across Queensland. This blog delves into the details of these achievements and outlines the ongoing campaigns for further advancements in the sector.
2024’s Biggest Wins for Cleaners
Portable Long Service Leave (Victoria Expansion)
What Changed:
- Previously only for large contractors
- Now covers small businesses (<15 employees) since Jan 2024
- Accumulate leave across multiple employers
Register for Portable Leave Here
Verified Wage Increases:
Queensland Health EB9 Agreement (2023-24)
| Year | Increase | New Base Rate (Level 3) |
| 2023 | 4.75% | $25.87 → $27.10 |
| 2024 | 4.25% | $27.10 → $28.25 |
Source: Clause 12.3, QLD Health EB9
National Cleaning Award Adjustments：
- 3.5% minimum wage increase (projected for 2025)
- Backpay available for underpaid workers
How These Changes Affect Employers？
For Portable Leave (VIC):
- Register employees within 14 days of hiring
- Contribute 0.85% of wages to the scheme
- Audit risk: Unregistered businesses face $10k+ fines
For Wage Increases:
- Update payroll systems before July 1, 2024
- Budget for higher penalty rates (calculated on new base)
Workstem Tip: Our payroll software auto-updates award rates.
Future Campaigns: What’s Next for 2025?
While recent victories have been significant, the UWU continues to advocate for better conditions in the cleaning industry. For 2025, the union is pushing for a 5% base wage rise as well as the introduction of portable leave for workers in Western Australia and South Australia. Stay updated on the progress of these campaigns as we continue to fight for comprehensive benefits for all cleaning workers.
How Workstem Helps Cleaning Services Award Businesses
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Managing payroll under the Cleaning Services Award 2025 can be complex. Workstem’s workforce management software ensures:
- Our award interpretation software
- Auto-calculates penalties + casual loading
- Flags classification errors
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FAQs About the Cleaning Services Award 2025
Q1: What’s new in the 2025 Cleaning Services Award?
A1: 3.5% minimum wage increase (projected) for all cleaner levels；Stronger record-keeping requirements for remote/work-from-home cleaners；Clarified overtime rules for mobile workers (travel time between sites now counts toward daily hours).
Q2: Are casual cleaners entitled to the same benefits as part-time or full-time employees?
A2: No, casual cleaners receive a casual loading but do not have access to paid leave benefits provided to part-time or full-time employees.
Q3: What are the common penalties for misclassifying cleaning staff?
A3: Employers can face fines and legal penalties if they incorrectly classify cleaning staff or fail to comply with the pay rates set forth in the Cleaning Services Award.
Q4: Do part-time cleaners get penalty rates?
A4: Yes! Part-timers receive the same penalties as full-timers:
- 125% Saturdays
- 150% Sundays
- 250% Public Holidays
Q5: Can Workstem help with casual employee management?
A5: Absolutely. Workstem supports casual loading, dynamic rosters, and real-time tracking to ensure casual workers are paid correctly and fairly under the award.
Q6: Is Workstem compliant with Fair Work and STP2?
A6: Yes, Workstem is fully compliant with Fair Work obligations and Single Touch Payroll Phase 2 (STP2), ensuring seamless reporting to the ATO.
Read More：
Cleaning Services Award Guide [MA000022]
Automate MA000022 compliance with Workstem’s payroll software. [Start Free Trial]
