TCFUA sues 29 clothing companies over FCTA violations

26 Jul '05

1 min read

The Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia (TCFUA) has sued 29 companies in the Federal Court, accusing that they violated the Federal Clothing Trades Award (FCTA).

The Union explained that exists low wages and conditions of about 300,000 outworkers in Australia, and federal government's industrial relations restructuring will drag them in more critical situation of survival.

Michele O'Neil, TCFUA Victorian Secretary informed that over 300,000 outworkers in Australia worked up to 15 hours per day for as low as $2 to $3 per hour.

O'Neil added that Tuesday's court step was to make sure companies act in accordance with the industry award. However, this would be under menace if the government's proposed IR reform goes ahead.

When customers purchase clothes with Australian-made labels, they must be sure that the workers who made them are paid fair Australian wages and work under proper conditions, she said.

Daisy Gardner, FairWear Campaign Co-coordinator appealed the 29 companies to adhere to the voluntary Home workers Code of Practice.

Nearly 30 activist rallied outside the court in Melbourne on Tuesday, some of them wearing masks of Mr Andrews and one working in a mock sweatshop.

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