Sample letter to send to retailers and manufacturers of school uniforms

Dear _____________________,

We are concerned to learn of the ongoing exploitation of homebased outworkers in the textile, clothing and footwear industries.

The report of the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia, 'The Hidden Cost of Fashion', and the recent Senate hearings into outworking in the garment industry, have revealed some disturbing details of:

• significantly below award pay for home-based outworkers;

• widespread intimidation and abuse of home-based outworkers;

• inappropriate involvement of children in home-based production.

Our school community is greatly concerned by these revelations and seek to ensure that we are not a party to such injustices. We would congratulate your company if you have signed the Code of Practice.

If you have not already signed, we ask that you sign the Homeworkers Code of Practice negotiated between industry bodies and the Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia (TCFUA). For a copy of the Code of Practice, please contact the TCFUA (NSW - Barry Tubner) on (02) 9789 4477.

Sincerely,

[signature]