I’m Ruth, a cleaner at a major shopping centre in Sydney. I’ve been a cleaner for 10 years, and I take great pride in my work. I know that it’s clean shopping centres that ensure happier customers and more foot traffic.
But, in my ten years, I’ve only had a raise of $3 an hour. I currently make $16.57 an hour—the minimum wage. Cleaners across the country are taking industrial action, and I’m one of them. I love my job and wish we didn’t have to do this, but so many of us are struggling.
I’m the mother of 3 boys—two teenagers and a seven-year-old. It’s hard to raise a family on just $600 a week. In fact, my sons have never even been to a theme park. Just buying winter clothes for them is a struggle. In order to make ends meet, I have to borrow money from my oldest son, which I have trouble paying back because of my low wages.
Last year for Christmas, I had to get a credit card. I don’t know how I’m going to pay for last year’s presents, let alone this year’s. As we get closer and closer to the holidays, I’m terrified of how I’m going to make it a jolly Christmas.
Please join me in asking Westfield to do the right thing. Please help me in getting Westfield to ensure that families don’t have to go without this Christmas.
Don't let families go without this Christmas.
Greetings,
I just signed the following petition addressed to: Westfield.
----------------
Don't let families go without this Christmas.
Dear Mr Lowy,
Westfield should do everything its power to help cleaners across Australia. Ruth, a cleaner at a major shopping centre in Sydney, has been working as a cleaner for 10 years—but she still can’t afford Christmas presents for her family.
Ruth helps her shopping centre make make millions of dollars every year, and its hardworking families like hers that keep your family in business. Westfield should stand up for cleaners across Australia and help struggling families get by.
I’m calling on Westfield to do the right thing and help families like Ruth. Don’t be the Grinch and penny-pinch this Christmas—help those who keep you in business.
----------------
Sincerely,
[Your name]