TFIA welcomes revocation of Fair Work Principals

27 Mar '14

2 min read

The Council of Textile Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) welcomes the recent revocation of the Fair Work Principals that occurred as part of the recent Government Repeal Day.

The TFIA has been leading the charge against the restrictive requirements imposed on the textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry by the Home Workers Code of Practice for years. As a founding member of the Code, the TFIA has always stood for ethical work practices and fair treatment of all employees.

However, the Code administered by Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA) went too far in its support of the union led campaign to hinder the industry, which has resulted in a decimation of many TCF small businesses and an acceleration of jobs moving offshore.

“The TFIA has continued its campaign to support local businesses and this led to the disappointing move to expel the TFIA from the Homeworkers Code Committee in an endeavor to silence the voice of the industry”, said Kiri Delly, CEO of the TFIA. “Rather than fight the expulsion, the TFIA has focused its energy on rallying the industry to create a business environment that supports local jobs and entrepreneurship.” she said.

As from July 1 this year, accreditation to the Home Workers Code of Practice through ECA will no longer be required for businesses seeking to tender for government contracts. The ECA will also lose its government funding from this date too.

The TFIA provides an important role in influencing public policy for the benefit of the Industry, and provides a range of support services for its members in helping them affect their decision making in the face of a changing market.

“The next challenge for the Industry is the review of the Modern Award and properly recognising the changing shape of the sector and the important role played by contractors and outworkers.” said Kiri Delly. The TFIA as the Industry Peak body will be making a submission on behalf of its members and is urging all TCF businesses and industry members to come forward to provide details on their experiences with the current regulation.

“It is only with whole of industry support that we can effect change and work towards the flexibility businesses require.”

Textile Fashion Industries of Australia

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