New course on bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination

In German-speaking Switzerland, 65,000 people are employed in the cleaning industry. Many employees have a migration background and do not yet have a high level of proficiency in the national language. The cleaning industry offers them the opportunity to gain a foothold in a versatile, but also increasingly demanding profession. They can also take advantage of numerous opportunities for ongoing on-the-job training.

Practice-oriented vocational training

Corinne Schärer is Vice President of the PK Reinigung and represents the interests of the employees. The central secretary and head of Unia's policy department is convinced that education is essential for the cleaning industry, starting with language skills: "Cleaners must be able to communicate and understand what jobs they have to do. Those who have a good knowledge of the job will advance professionally and personally. The entire industry benefits from this, because customer requirements are also increasing in the cleaning sector. Better trained employees provide better service to customers - so everyone is satisfied." The Vice President of the PK Reinigung emphasizes that the way in which education is provided is crucial: "Education must start with the individual - with his or her competencies. Vocational training in particular must be very practice-oriented. Education is very important for the development of the cleaning industry, but also overall for the future of our society, especially the world of work. For individuals, it's the opportunity to advance professionally and do interesting jobs." (Video Interview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCSVlbwyygE)

"Respect in the Workplace: New course on bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination

The numerous services offered by PK Reinigung are actively used. The German courses alone were attended by around 900 people in 2018. In 2018, PK Reinigung successfully introduced the wage-relevant CLA training course. Starting in October 2019, a new 2-part course on mobbing, sexual harassment and discrimination will be held. In the basic and in-depth module, employees and managers acquire the necessary knowledge to recognize cases of bullying, sexual harassment and discrimination. They learn how to react appropriately and take the necessary steps. They test concrete actions. Social pedagogue Lu Decurtins is one of six experts who developed the course. He formulates his personal wish for the cleaning industry: "Employees should feel strong, have a secure position and stand up for their rights."

More information: www.reineprofis.ch