Property services unions to convene in Galway to raise standards in the industry

From 24-26 September, union leaders and representatives from dozens of countries will meet in Galway, Ireland, for the UNI Property Services Global Conference. This event comes at a pivotal time for the cleaning and security sectors, where workers continue to face low wages, job insecurity, and challenging working conditions. The theme of the conference, Raising Standards will focus on the need to build stronger unions and create better conditions for workers worldwide. 

“The cleaning and security sectors are essential to the global economy, yet their workers remain undervalued and often underpaid,” said Michala Lafferty, Head of Property Services for UNI Global Union. “As the industry evolves, so too must the strategy of labour unions. This conference will provide attendees with the tools, insights, and data needed to adapt to current and future challenges and push for better conditions, wages, and rights for all property services workers.” 

Throughout the conference, participants will exchange insights on key issues affecting the industry, from increasing pressure on wages and working conditions to the ongoing need for effective organizing. It’s an opportunity for labour leaders to dig into practical strategies, share success stories, and confront common challenges head-on. 

 UNI Global Union will also release an extensive global survey highlighting the working conditions of security workers. The survey called Insecurity in Security Work: A Global Survey of Working Conditions in the Security Sector, reveals that an overwhelming majority of security officers feel underpaid, unsafe, and in urgent need of union representation to improve their working conditions. The findings call for immediate industry-wide reforms to ensure safe and fair working environments, with strong backing from unions to advocate for and protect the rights of security workers worldwide. 

Attendees will work together on developing a new work plan for the future of property services, focusing on concrete steps to organize more workers, secure better contracts, and ensure that both cleaning and security workers are treated with the dignity and respect they deserve. 

With multiple networking sessions and panel discussions, the event provides an ideal platform for union leaders to connect, exchange tactics, and strengthen alliances.