Australia : FairWear campaign recognizing outworkers
May 4, 2006 |  |
The FairWear campaign welcomes the statement made by the Workplace Relations Minister, Kevin Andrews yesterday recognising outworkers in the textile clothing and footwear industries as vulnerable workers in need of protection in the Independent Contractors Bill.
A delegation from the FairWear campaign met recently with Minister Andrews to outline the need to secure minimum wages and conditions for vulnerable outworkers under upcoming legislation and award rationalisation.
"FairWear applauds the Governments acknowledgement that these workers are vulnerable and in need of protection. These workers currently receive as little as $3-4 an hour sewing garments in their homes and they need safeguards against exploitation by unscrupulous employers," said Daisy Gardener of the FairWear Campaign.
"This is an important step in the right direction by the Government. We will be looking at the detail of the new legislation to ensure that outworkers' status as employees is fully protected", Ms Gardener continued.
"We remain concerned about the need for unique outworker provisions in the Textile Clothing and Footwear awards to be maintained under the award rationalisation process", Ms Gardener concluded. | | | | Asian Women at Work |  |
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