FairWear targets big retailers

Issue 

BY JUSTINE KAMPRAD

MELBOURNE — Last week FairWare activists held lively protest actions against the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), marking a change in the focus of the FairWear campaign.

ARA-affiliated companies control over 70% of the retail clothing industry and their dominance allows them to set prices and control clothing chain production, making them a key target for FairWear's campaign of justice for textile workers.

Three teams engaged in the protest action. The first team pulled off a non-violent sit-in at the ARA headquarters, handing out leaflets to staff, sticking banners on windows and locking themselves in the CEO's office. Team leader Annie Delaney, an organiser for the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia said: "We were doing a sit-in for justice. The action was really important and put the ARA on notice that it's member companies must not only sign the Code of Practice but comply with it."

The second team, around 30 people, held a rally outside the ARA office. The protesters dressed in bags emblazoned with slogans like "I'd rather wear a bag than Nike" and "No sweat shop labour".

The FairWear campaign has been active for many years around the super-exploitation of outworkers in Australia. In the recent past the campaign has focused on getting companies to sign on to the voluntary Home Worker's Code of Practice. The goal now is to make the code made into law in Victoria, making it legally compulsory for retailers to label clothes showing they are not the work of "sweated" labour.

The ARA signed the code on behalf of its members in 1997, but has recently reneged on the agreement. FairWear activists now aim to target prominent members of the ARA, such as Coles-Myer, Woolworths, David Jones and Sussan.

Premier Steve Bracks' Labor government, under pressure from the ongoing FairWear campaign, has been forced to put the Code of Practice on its legislative agenda. However, FairWear activists note that a hostile upper house is unlikely to pass the legislation.

If you would like to get involved in FairWear actions contact their office on 9251 5270 or Pam on 0417 517 075.

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