Fair Wear NSW Newsletter, August 2001 Edition

We have some exciting news to report on activities in recent months, as well as a healthy blend of good old-fashioned frustration to go with it. We have No Sweat Shop Label lift-off, although there is a distinct lack of astronauts as yet. The NSW Premier, Bob Carr, has let the outworker strategy cat out of the bag, but no-one's seen the cat since it's release. What do these strange analogies mean? Read on to find out...

BURMA CAMPAIGN

'Support breasts, not dictators' is the message we're sending to Triumph International who manufacture women's lingerie (maternity bras in particular) in Burma (Myanmar).

The military dictators (who have called themselves the State Peace & Development Council since November 1997 because it was better for PR than the old name State Law & Order Restoration Council) run the economy in Burma. Huge sums of money are spent on military hardware despite the fact that Burma has no external enemies.

It is impossible to conduct business in Burma without supporting the military and doing so gives the impression that what they are doing to their own citizens is OK.

Contact the Fair Wear office to obtain a 'Support Breasts, Not DIctators' postcard or write a letter to one of the retailers or Triumph to tell them what you think about them making some of their bras in Burma. Further details appear in the global section of this site or phone (02) 9380 9091.

NO SWEAT SHOP LABEL LAUNCH

The No Sweat Shop Label was officially launched in Melbourne on 8th March this year. In Sydney you may have been fortunate enough to spot some bus advertisements for the label, with the slogan 'fashion stinks when it's made in sweatshops'. (For a sticker echoing that very sentiment, contact the Fair Wear office). The launch included fashion models stripping off their stinky clothes.

The advent of the No Sweat Shop label, and its accompanying accreditation system heralds a new era in the campaign, finally giving consumers access to genuine assurances that clothes displaying the label have been made under fair conditions.

The accreditation and labelling system are logical progressions for the 140 or so companies who have signed the Homeworkers Code of Practice, but despite this, only four companies are confirmed as accredited. They are Australian Defence Apparel (makers of army uniforms), Resort Report, Qualitops and Poppets (makers of Beare & Ley) school uniforms. Our current campaign focus is getting support from clothing retailers for the label - without their endorsement, manufacturers would not dare to become accredited and involved. We have orange No Sweat Shop label postcards which can be sent to a retailer of your choice - there are three in particular that we personally recommend. In response to postcards sent, Coles Myer (Grace Bros, Target and K Mart) announced that they would send letters supporting the label to their suppliers. The result of their letters was a number of inquiries to the Homeworkers Code of Practice Committee about the label, which will hopefully soon translate to additional support for the accreditation and labelling system.

ACTION STATIONS

We're also planning upcoming actions, the first of which will be targeting retail giant David Jones, whose slogan 'there's no other store' we believe refers to the fact that they stock so many labels that have been seen in outworkers homes. We thank them for subliminally drawing our attention to this through their advertisements.

You can call the David Jones general customer enquiry number on 133 357 and register your disapproval at the company's failure to support the No Sweat Shop label.

SCHOOL STUDENTS 'SPEAKING OUT FOR JUSTICE'

The Fair School Wear campaign's 'Speaking Out for Justice' training day was conducted on 22nd May. 100 students and staff from a number of high schools across Sydney and stretching north to Gosford, south to Wollongong and west to Mount Pleasant, converged at the Australian Catholic University's Strathfield campus to learn about the Fair Wear campaign. The morning sessions consisted of general campaign information, and the afternoon sessions comprised workshops on public speaking; influencing people; dealing with the media; and creative publicity. The day provided tools for participants to take back to schools to further the campaign in their own communities. Feedback from the day was very positive. Many thanks to all those who attended, and assisted in making the day a success.

THE NSW GOVERNMENT OUTWORKER STRATEGY

Or 'slippery' as we have come to affectionately refer to it. On 25th March, the Premier announced that there would be $4 million spent over the next 3 years on addressing the issue of outworker exploitation. This month we have finally been briefed by representatives from the Industrial Relations Mininster's office on what form this assistance will actually take. As well as the employment of 4 bilingual inspectors to monitor compliance in the industry, there will be money allocated to retraining programs for outworkers who wish to leave the industry. There will also be an 'Ethical Clothing Trades Council' established to monitor and report developments in the industry, including a particular focus on adherence to voluntary codes of practice. Fair Wear is currently lobbying to hold a position on the Council when it is established later this year. The possibility of legislation further down the track is included in the strategy, but this will depend upon industry compliance with the voluntary codes, as well as the recommendations of the Ethical Clothing Trades Council.

We wouldn't have gotten this far without the extensive support in terms of letter writing, turning up to actions, and other supportive gestures from a wide range of groups and individuals. Thanks to all for the support. We've still got plenty of work to do, but we are seeing some progress for our efforts.

Stay tuned for more information as it comes to hand, and perhaps keep an eye on the media in coming weeks because the issue might even be publicised.

CLOTHING PRODUCTION IN FIJI

Planning a tropical holiday to Fiji?.For only $870 return, you might get to see a few sweat shops with underpaid, exploited workers on overtime. Statistics show that many Australian clothing companies source their wears in Fiji, because it is cheap and all Fijian imports are duty free. Are you wearing something that is made in Fiji?. Check your label now, and help us fight this injustice.

For the next 10 weeks we are starting research and inquiry into this area. If you have any information call the international team here at fair wear on (02) 9331 4230.

EMAIL LIST

Add your address to the ever expanding Fair Wear email list. Mail your request to: fairwear@awatw.org.au and keep abreast with our antics by bookmarking and checking our website.

WANNA GET SOME ACTION?

Fair Wear is stepping up action to pressure retailers and manufacturers to use the No Sweat Shop label, so we are starting a Fair Wear Action Group.

Contact Julia at fairwear@awatw.org.au or 9380 9091 for details.