‘How will my actions affect the exploited workers?’ Keep that in mind when you act out against sweat shops.
Submitted
10/11/2005
By
Christina
Views
17361
Comments
0
Updated
19/12/2008
What’s involved?
Boycott companies
* Only buy products that are ‘sweatshop free’ accredited. See http://www.fairwear.org.au/engine.php for list of companies
Organisations for Action
Fair Wear http://www.fairwear.org.au/engine.php
Australian site. There is a ‘campaign’ menu option – with info on legislation, schools, shoppers, surf wear and designers and corporate wear.
Sweat Watch http://www.sweatshopwatch.org/index.php?s=1
US (California) site. Has a ‘take action’ link with ‘action alerts, shop with a conscience, support workers’ rights, donate, volunteer, order merchandise and share stories.
Behind the Label http://www.industrialrelations.nsw.gov.au/behindth...
A NSW Government initiative for a fair, safe and ethical clothing industry. This site provides information for outworkers, the clothing industry and the public on Behind the Label and how you can get behind it.
No Sweat Stuff http://www.nosweatstuff.com.au/
Australian site. There is a newsletter you can sign up to as well as a list of outlets for buying 100% sweatshop free clothing and footwear/and online sales
Organisations for Info
International Labour Association http://www.ilo.org/public/english/index.htm
Info on conferences and reports such as some country specific reviews of garment industries
Textile Clothing and Footwear Union http://www.tcfua.org.au/Index.htm
This is the union that represents outworkers in Australia. Has info on legislation, workers rights, accredited companies, membership
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission http://www.accc.gov.au/content/index.phtml/itemId/142
This site has info on consumer rights, business rights & responsibilities, industry regulation and monitoring
Campaign to improve worker rights * Write a letter to a company who hasn’t signed the Homeworkers Code of Practice (see http://www.fairwear.org.au/engine.php for letter template). * Write a letter to your local MP and other relevant politicians. Check out http://www.dewrsb.gov.au/ministersAndMediaCentre/d...
* Start and circulate/sign a petition
* Visit your local MP
* Attend/ organise a rally/protest
Raise awareness of the issue
* Speak with family/friends
* Run an information session/discussion group – bring up the issue of sweatshop labour in an existing meeting/group that you attend. Contacts relevant organisations (listed below) to get current information – they may have info sheets e.g. fairwear
* Write letters to the editor of your local papers/online forums
* Put up posters, hand out flyers
* Make an artwork/performance
* Ring up community radio stations/TV programs
Volunteer your time to improve skills of sweatshop target group
* This includes English training, job-searching skills and alternate employment options that target the migrant population in Australia.
* There are community groups that provide free English tutoring for refugees (typically families who have been granted a permanent protection visa – versus migrant resource centres which help asylum seekers who are on restricted visas - restricted in terms of rights to work, access medical services, attend school etc).
* Tutoring opportunities with St Vincent de Paul, Mission Australia
* TAFE offers a free course for how to become a volunteer English tutor
Government sites for info on our sweatshop laws
Workplace Relations Amendment (Improved Protection for Victorian Workers) Act 2003 http://www.workplace.gov.auI
Industrial Relations (Ethical Clothing Trades) Bill 2001 http://www.parliament.nsw.gov.au
Oxfam Australia – Fair Trade Campaign http://www.oxfam.org.au/campaigns/mtf/coffee/fairt...
Why should people do this?
I want to do this!
