Waffle House Servers Accuse Company of Forcing Unpaid Labor, Including Janitorial Duties

Waffle House servers are firing back at the breakfast chain, claiming they have been improperly paid for years.

They allege the company forces them to perform janitorial and dishwashing tasks at tipped wages, saving Waffle House up to $46.8 million annually. One employee making such accusations, Melissa “Kat” Steach, a server in Marietta, Georgia, navigates her 69-hour workweeks by serving food and ringing up orders for tips. However, she revealed that she also spends up to three hours per shift mopping floors, scrubbing toilets, and washing dishes, duties that go unpaid or are compensated at tipped rates far below the standard wage.

The Union of Southern Service Workers (USSW) has filed a federal wage theft complaint...

More at the source: Atlanta Journal

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Contract Cleaning Services Market size to increase by USD 165.3 Bilion between 2024 to 2029

The commercial segment, which includes hospitality establishments, spas and salons, food service establishments, hospitals and healthcare centers, institutions, and offices, is the primary driver of the contract cleaning services market. The hospitality sector, a significant end-user in this segment, is experiencing growth due to the completion of new hotel projects, particularly in emerging economies like 

India and China, as well as in the Middle East. This growth creates opportunities for contract cleaning service providers to expand their customer base. The healthcare sector is another major contributor, driven by mandatory government standards for clean facilities and the need to prevent hospital-acquired infections. 

More at source: PR Newswire

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Commercial And Residential Cleaning Services Market In US size is set to grow by USD 36.81 Billion from 2024-2028, rising popularity of multifamily dwellings in US to boost the revenue. 

NEW YORK, Dec. 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with the AI impact on market trends - The commercial and residential cleaning services market in us size is estimated to grow by USD 36.81 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.05% during the forecast period. Rising popularity of multifamily dwellings in US is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing number of strategic alliances. However, fluctuations in labor wages poses a challenge. Key market players include ABM Industries Inc., Anago Cleaning Systems Inc., Angi Inc., Authority Brands., Bonus Building Care, Buildingstars, City Wide Cleaning Services, CleanNet 

 Inc., Coit Services Inc., Coverall North America Inc., Harvard Maintenance, ISS AS, Jan Pro Franchising Inc., Jani King International Inc., MaidPro, Neighborly Co., OFFICE PRIDE, Stratus Building Solutions, The ServiceMaster Co. LLC, Vanguard Cleaning Systems Inc., ABM Industries Inc., The Service Master Company, LLC, CleanNet, Anago Cleaning Systems, Aramark Corporation, Sodexo, Jani-King Inc., Stanley Steemer International, Inc., ChemDry, Pritchard Industries Inc., Anago Cleaning Systems Inc., and Angi Inc..

More at source: Yahoo Finance

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Zoo janitor killed by tiger after door left open

PITETI, Romania (WKRC) - A 52-year-old janitor was killed by a tiger at Piteti Zoo after failing to follow safety procedures, according to Romanian newspaper Adevrul. The incident occurred Monday morning when the man entered the tiger's enclosure to clean it.

The tiger had bitten the janitor on the head, according to Adevrul and The Sun. The zoo's safety guidelines required the tiger to be moved to a high-fenced cage behind a security door before cleaning begins. However, the janitor reportedly forgot to lower the security door, allowing the tiger to return while he was still inside.

More at source: Local 12

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Investigators find 11 children working 'dangerous' overnight cleaning shift in meat processing plant

A cleaning company has been fined $171,000 after federal investigators found 11 children working a "dangerous" overnight shift at a meat processing plant in Iowa.

The U.S. Labor Department said in a statement that it found the children working for sanitation company Qvest LLC at the Seaboard Triumph Foods pork factory in Sioux City, Iowa.

The children were employed to "use corrosive cleaners to clean head splitters, jaw pullers, bandsaws, neck clippers and other equipment at the Seaboard Triumph Foods facility from at least September 2019 through September 2023," the statement said.

It is illegal under U.S. law for anyone younger than 18 to work in meat processing. Qvest must pay the fine and not engage in "oppressive child labor," as per a court filing in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Iowa.

More at source: NBC News

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Cleaners at Charlotte airport, an American Airlines hub, go on strike during Thanksgiving travel week

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) — Workers who clean airplanes, remove trash and help with wheelchairs at Charlotte’s airport, one of the nation’s busiest, went on strike Monday during a busy week of holiday travel to demand higher wages.

The Service Employees International Union announced the strike in a statement early Monday, saying the workers would demand “an end to poverty wages and respect on the job during the holiday travel season.” The strike was expected to last 24 hours, said union spokesperson Sean Keady.

Employees of ABM and Prospect Airport Services cast ballots Friday to authorize the work stoppage at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, a hub for American Airlines. The two companies contract with American, one of the world’s biggest carriers, to provide services such as cleaning airplane interiors, removing trash and escorting passengers in wheelchairs.

More at source: WPTF

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Sparkoz Introduces New AI Model for Intelligent Robotic Cleaning

Sparkoz Introduces New AI Model for Intelligent Robotic Cleaning, Empowering Sparkoz Robots with Scene Understanding and Autonomous Decision-Making

PLANO, Texas, Nov. 22, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- Sparkoz Technology Corporation, a global leader in intelligent cleaning solutions, proudly announces the integration of a revolutionary new AI model across its entire range of robots. This cutting-edge technology enables Sparkoz robots to analyze scenes, make autonomous decisions, and execute tasks with unprecedented precision and efficiency.

"Our new AI model transforms all Sparkoz robots into more than just machines—they are now intelligent assistants capable of understanding and adapting to their environments," says Danny Cui, Founder and President of Sparkoz Technology Corporation. "This advancement redefines what businesses can expect from commercial cleaning robots."

AI-Powered Scene Understanding: How It Works

Equipped with advanced sensors and the newly integrated AI model, Sparkoz robots process environmental data to generate actionable insights and adapt operations in real time.

• Adapting to Environmental Changes: Sparkoz robots identify dynamic changes in their surroundings, such as detecting muddy footprints, and autonomously switch to a powerful cleaning mode without requiring manual input.
  
  
• Task Management: The robots intelligently prioritize and adjust tasks based on changing conditions. For instance, they identify crowded areas, such as busy supermarket checkouts, and strategically delay cleaning to avoid disruption, resuming operations once the space is clear.
  
  
• Communication and Collaboration: Sparkoz robots seamlessly collaborate with human teams by providing real-time updates. For example, they can notify staff of spills or misplaced items, suggest actions, and coordinate cleanup efforts for enhanced safety and productivity.

Benefits for Businesses

With the integration of this AI model, Sparkoz's autonomous floor scrubber delivers:

• Autonomous Decision-Making: Reduced human intervention for routine tasks.
• Enhanced Productivity: Real-time adjustments to optimize cleaning efficiency.
• Improved Usability: Simplified operations through intelligent alerts and feedback systems.

Interactive Demonstration at the Exhibition

To highlight the transformative capabilities of this new AI, Sparkoz invites attendees to a live demonstration. Guests can interact with Sparkoz robots and witness how they analyze scenes, make decisions, and adapt actions to their environment.

"Imagine a robotic assistant that not only cleans efficiently but also communicates intelligently, adapts to complex scenarios, and enhances operational workflows," adds Danny. "This is the future of robotic cleaning, and Sparkoz is proud to lead the way."

About Sparkoz Technology Corporation

Sparkoz designs and builds the world's most intelligent floor-cleaning robots using proprietary software and hardware patents. Proven effective in airports, supermarkets, retail spaces, and many other properties seeking innovative cleaning solutions to increase productivity.

More at the source: Sparkoz

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Global Cleaning Robot Market Set For 25.2% Growth, Reaching $34.86 Billion By 2028

Cleaning Robot Global Market Report 2024 – Market Size, Trends, And Global Forecast 2024-2033

The Business Research Company's Global Cleaning Robot Market Set For 25.2% Growth, Reaching $34.86 Billion By 2028

It will grow to $34.86 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 25.2%.”

— The Business Research Company

LONDON, GREATER LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM, November 6, 2024 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Business Research Company’s Early Year-End Sale! Get up to 30% off detailed market research reports—limited time only!

The cleaning robot market is witnessing exponential growth, expected to rise from $11.44 billion in 2023 to $14.2 billion in 2024, achieving a staggering CAGR of 24.2%. This growth is driven by rising labor costs, a growing demand for automation, heightened awareness of hygiene, increased commercial and industrial cleaning needs, and the adoption of smart home and IoT-enabled devices.

What Is the Projected Market Size of the Global Cleaning Robot Market and Its Growth Rate?

The market is projected to experience exponential growth, reaching $34.86 billion by 2028, with a CAGR of 25.2%. This growth is driven by market penetration in emerging economies, urbanization, the expansion of e-commerce and warehouse automation, increased adoption in the hospitality and retail sectors, and rising demand for disinfection and sterilization robots in healthcare. Trends expected during this period include advancements in UV-C and disinfection technologies, AI-powered navigation and mapping, integration with smart home ecosystems, edge cleaning capabilities, and the adoption of swappable cleaning attachments.

More at source: Newswires

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EPA announces tougher rules to protect children from lead paint exposure

WASHINGTON (AP) — Two weeks after setting a nationwide deadline for removal of lead pipes, the Biden administration is imposing strict new limits on dust from lead-based paint in older homes and child-care facilities.

A final rule announced Thursday by the Environmental Protection Agency sets limits on lead dust on floors and window sills in pre-1978 residences and child-care facilities to levels so low they cannot be detected.

Paint that contains lead was banned in 1978, but more than 30 million American homes are believed to still contain it, including nearly 4 million homes where children under the age of 6 live. Lead paint can chip off when it deteriorates or is disturbed, especially during home remodeling or renovation.

“There is no safe level of lead,” said Michal Freedhoff, EPA’s assistant administrator for chemical safety and pollution prevention. The new rule will bring the United States “closer to eradicating lead-based paint hazards from homes and child care facilities once and for all,” she said.

More at the source: PBS

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Thousands of cleaning supplies may contain substances linked to health problems

CNN — When you go through the chore of cleaning your home, you hope the end result is a safer, healthier environment for you and your loved ones. But some of the products you are using might put your health at risk.

“Many people assume that when you’re buying something on the shelf or if it’s for sale in a store, that there’s no risk to it or they know exactly what they’re getting,” said Tasha Stoiber, a senior scientist at the Environmental Working Group, a nonprofit organization that researches and advocates for safer products. “That just isn’t the case.”

On the American market, the EWG has found that more than 2,000 cleaning supplies may contain substances linked to health problems including asthma, chemical burns and cancer risks.

It can be hard to tell exactly what is safe and what is not when shopping at the store. This is especially true with the prevalence of “greenwashing,” or when companies utilize tactics in their product labeling or marketing to appear more natural and environmentally safe, said Jennie Romer, the deputy assistant administrator for pollution prevention at the US Environmental Protection Agency.

More at the source: CNN

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