The Fair Work Amendment (Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industry) Bill 2011 passed into law today with the support of the Greens and the Independents, following a controversial inquiry.
The new TCF law, vigorously supported by The Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia (TCFUA), aims to provide national protections for outworkers and sweatshop workers in the TCF industry and is set to have a lasting impact on the way TCF industry operates.
The law will see contract outworkers awarded the same status, protections and entitlements as employees under the Fair Work Act and will also allow outworkers to recover unpaid wages and entitlements up the supply chain when their employer refuses to pay them.
TCFUA national secretary Michele O’Neil said the passing of the bill heralds a new era for the TCF industry and all its stakeholders.
"This is an historic day. Over the last 15 years the Parliament has heard evidence, shocking in its consistency regarding the systemic exploitation of outworkers in the TCF industry."
“Forcing sham contracts on TCF outworkers has been endemic. Sweatshops too have continued to flourish with little scrutiny. This law means that, whatever they are called or wherever they work, TCF outworkers and workers in sweatshops are entitled to be treated with the same dignity under the law as any other Australian employee. These workers will now be entitled to receive the same minimum wages and conditions as every other worker in the industry.”
In the wake of the announcement, O’Neil has also urged TCF industry employers to embrace the new legislation and cautioned unscrupulous companies.
“It is utterly unacceptable that in 2012 there are still significant numbers of workers in this industry who do not receive even the most basic working conditions, including a minimum hourly rate of pay, leave and a safe and healthy workplace,” she said.
“The reputable employers in the industry have nothing to fear from these laws but those who continue to shamelessly exploit vulnerable workers are on notice. We are determined to clean up this industry. Its future lies in great design, innovation and ethical production.”