Clean Clothes For Christmas

Date: 20 December 2002

For the first time this Christmas, NSW shoppers can buy clothing they know has been made under fair working conditions, with major retailers signing agreements on the employment of local outworkers.

"This will mean a lousy Christmas for the Scrooge-type middlemen who've ripped off clothing outworkers for years, while it's great news for outworkers, shoppers and ethical retailers," said NSW Industrial Relations Minister, John Della Bosca.

The Minister today praised a growing number of companies that had agreed to abide by new standards for the production of locally made garments.

"More than a dozen of our leading retail chains have now signed the Ethical Clothing Code of Practice, developed as part of the NSW Government's Behind the Label strategy," Mr Della Bosca said.

"Under the Code, signatories commit to ensuring their local clothing and textile suppliers are not using exploitative labour practices and all employees, including outworkers, are receiving award rates of pay.

"Coles Myer, whose companies include, K-Mart, Target and Myer Grace Bros became the first retailer in the world to sign such an agreement on 4 December.

"Since then, other household names have followed suit, including David Jones, Woolworths, Big W, Cue Clothing, Sussan, Suzanne Grae, Sportsgirl, Gowings, Noni B, Best and Less, Dotti, Man to Man Menswear, Colorado, Lowes Manhattan, Millers and Katies.

"The NSW Government congratulates these companies on making this important public commitment to securing a better deal for clothing outworkers, some of the most vulnerable people in our workforce.

"Australians believe in a fair go and outworkers, who often face deplorable working conditions and rates of pay, deserve to be supported.

"By choosing to shop with those retailers that have signed the Ethical Clothing Code of Practice, consumers will be supporting a better deal for outworkers and real change in the clothing industry.

"These major retailers are taking the lead in promoting a truly viable clothing industry in this country based on quality, efficiency and fair labour practices.

"The Ethical Clothing Code of Practice was developed by the Australian Retailers Association and the Textile Clothing and Footwear Union, working together as members of the NSW Ethical Clothing Trades Council.

"Establishing this Council was a key initiative of the Behind the Label strategy, a $4 million, three year program to achieve a fairer, stronger clothing trade," he said.

For further information

Contact:	Andrew Plumley
Union:	Labor Council of NSW
Phone:	(02) 9228 4777
Contact Mobile:	0438 455 562

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