What are people doing to stop sweatshop labour?
Changes to the outworker industry are coming about slowly, as public pressure increases. In 2002, the Retailers Ethical Clothing Code of Practice was introduced, making retailers, as well as manufacturers, responsible for the fair treatment of outworkers (accredited manufacturers display the ‘No SweatShop’ label). However, this code is voluntary, so although a number of Australian companies have signed part one of the code (agreeing to show their records), very few have signed part two (agreeing to pay minimum wages and provide safe work conditions etc). A more promising law to improve outworker conditions is the mandatory code for retailers, which began in NSW on 1 July 2005. This code will also be introduced into Victoria. The Homeworkers Code of Practice:this code keeps an eye on those who employ outworkers to make sure their working rights are being met. It provides accreditation for retailers and suppliers who meet certain criteria under the code, such as: • outworkers are paid th
