LL:DDV: rally support feltex workers
RALLY FELTEX DISPUTE CORNER OF BREEN STREET & SOUTH ROAD 7 AM MONDAY 19TH OF NOVEMBER Dear Friends as some of you may be aware currently there are 500 workers on strike at Feltex Industries. We are now in the 4th week of the dispute and the company is individually suing 42 individual workers and numerous TCFUA officials, including Michele O'Neil the State Secretary. There is a solidarity rally at the Feltex site on the corner of Breen Street and South Road, Braybrook (Melways Reference 41, D2) organised by Victorian Trades Hall. It is absolutely vital that all unionists and community members attend as we need to show our solidarity . If the company and the AIG(employers association) succeed in suing individual workers for damages it sets a dangerous precedent for future disputes. IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND, YOU CAN: Write or fax Sam McGill, CEO of Feltex Australia and tell you think the comapny should withdraw its charges and negotiate with the union. TEl: 9316 4276 Fax: 9318 0279 For further information, ring the TCFUA on 9347 3377. -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: FairWear Stinky Store Campaign
FairWear is launching its Stinky Store Campaign The first Stinky Store action will be at the Sussan store in Prahran near the corner of Commercial Rd and Chapel Sts. This Saturday, May 12 10.30 - 11am. Meet at the corner of Chapel st and Commercial rd on South side at 10.20am. The Homeworkers Code of Practice and the No Sweat Shop Label was officially launched on March 8, 2001. Retailers and manufacturers who have signed the Code have been given information and invited to become accredited under the Code. Accredited companies have to provide details of their contracting chain and will be monitored to ensure that workers are receiving their legal pay and entitlements. It would give them have permission to use the label in their garments and therefore provide a sign to consumers of the garments produced under fair conditions. So far only 2 companies have become accredited: Australian Defense Apparel and Resort Report. Companies like Sussan refuse to become accredited, refuse to write to their suppliers encouraging them to become accredited and refuse to support the label in their garments. Sussan is a symbol of all the stinky stores, consumers are ready to support the no sweat shop label initiative we just need the retailers and manufacturers to play their part in becoming NO SWEAT SHOPs. FASHION STINKS WHEN ITS MADE IN SWEATSHOPS - DEMAND THIS LABEL No Sweat Shop. check web site: www.nosweatshoplabel.com -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: rally 20 march
URGENT CALL TO ACTION - PLEASE PASS ONTO YOUR NETWORKS: Rally to Restore Rights To Victorian Workers Steps of Parliament, Spring St, Melbourne. 12pm Tuesday 20 March On Wednesday 20th March, the Fair Employment Bill will be debated in the upper house of Victorian Parliament. The Liberals have announced that they will not pass the Fair Employment Bill because of moves by the Federal Government to amend the Workplace Relations Act. The proposed amendments to the Workplaces Relations Act: Deny 30% of Victorian Workers the same protection and rights as the rest of Australian workers. Deny 50% (72,000) of Victorian outworkers, who are not covered by the Federal Award, access to basic protection. Stop Liberals Cheating Outworkers. Stop $2 an hour wages. Demand that the Liberals Pass the Fair Employment Bill. -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink LL.VC
LL:AA: action to support fair employment bill
Support Outworkers to get a Fair Go in Victoria - CALL TO ACTION The FairWear Campaing urges all supporters to take a couple of minutes this week to email, phone, fax or mail the following liberal and national politicians to urge them to put the Fair Employment Bill through the upper house of parliament. The Bill will give back to Victorian workers: Better annual leave, sick leave and unpaid parental leave Access to the Fair Employment Tribunal A system for reviewing unfair contracts Stronger protection for low wage workers by making outworkers employees A proper system of enforcement for wages and monies owed for work performed. If you need any further information please contact Pamela Curr 9251 5270 or Annie Delaney 9347 3377 Please contact: Denis Napthine- Opposition leader Parliament House Melbourne, 3002 Ph. 9651 8512, Fax. 9651 8426 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Mark Birrell - Leader of the opposition legislative council Parliament House, Melbourne, 3002 Ph. 9888 6244, Fax. 9888 6529 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Peter Ryan - Leader national party Parliament House, Melbourne, 3002 Ph. 9651 8911 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Example Dear I am writing, calling to ask you to let you know that I support the Fair Employment Bill and ask you to support Bill in the upper house. The Bill will ensure outworkers and other workers in Victoria get protection and will bring Victorian standards up to equal the rest of Australia. Yours sincerely -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: vigil at vecci
The FairWear campaign will be holding a vigil outside VECCI (victorian employers chamber of commerce and industry) Wednesday 8 November 12.30pm - 1 pm 196 Flinders Street, (old gas and fuel building) near corner of Flinders and Swanston Streets. Church leaders, outworkers and shop assistants will speak about why the liberals should pass the Fair Employment Bill. City workers and shoppers are encouraged to attend. Check out the FairWear web site http://vca.uca.org.au/fairwear/ and send the liberals a message to support the bill and legal protection for outworkers. For more information contact Pamela Curr 0417 517 075 or Annie Delaney 0419 587 058. -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Archived at http://www.cat.org.au/lists/leftlink/ Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink LL.VK
LL:ART: Nike admits breaking work agreement, pays penalty
AAP NEWSFEED June 6, 2000, Tuesday Australian General News HEADLINE: Fed: Nike pays penalty after admitting it breached award By Heather Gallagher, Industrial Correspondent MELBOURNE, June 6 AAP - Sportswear giant Nike today admitted it was guilty of breaching the Clothing Trades Award and agreed to pay the textile workers' union $15,000 in penalties. The company reached a settlement with the Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia (TCFUA) late today after the union brought proceedings against it in the Federal Court. In consent orders read to the court, Nike admitted breaching three sections of the award and agreed to pay the union $5,000 a breach. The court was told Nike had failed to register with the Australian Industrial Relations Commission as a contractor. It also failed to supply a list of subcontractors and other workers, which enables the union to check on workers' wages and conditions, for 12 months from February 1998. During a protest before the hearing, TCFUA state secretary Michele O'Neil said the union had brought similar court action against more than 80 companies. All the others had settled and she estimated Nike had spent $100,000 in legal fees bringing the matter to court. Ms O'Neil later said the settlement was a great victory for Australian workers. "This is about Nike, a large multinational company, being made to not only keep to the award conditions but actually pay a penalty for having breached them," she told reporters. Annie Delaney, who has managed the union's FairWear campaign, said the case would act as a deterrent to other companies. "We believe the outcome today is the best in terms of making the award work ... and getting the company to admit to breaches that up until this morning they were refusing to admit to," she said. Ms Delaney said despite the company's policy of not using outworkers - people who sew from home usually in sub-standard conditions - the union had discovered some outworkers making Nike products in Brisbane. "The nature of the industry is outwork is everywhere, in the garment industry everyone gives work out," she said. Nike communications manager Megan Ryan said the company had agreed to settle in a spirit of conciliation and cooperation. "We acknowledge that the award and the award process is a very important one," she said. "Nike has put in place processes and resources to ensure that these administrative oversights don't occur again." She said the matter had nothing to do with home workers. "We don't use home workers and we have contractual obligations with our manufacturers that they don't use them," she said. -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:INFO: outwork campaign job
Co-ordinator/Outreach Campaign Worker Required for National Outwork Campaign Victorian based for 5 months full-time Experience required in Community Development; Campaign Management, Media liaison, Coordination skills and experience working in multi lingual context. To be employed by joint union/employer committee, Knowledge of Homeworkers issues highly desirable. Contact TFCUA 9347 3377 or TFIA on 9698 4460 for job description. Closing date 9th May 2000 at 5pm -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: Outworkers go to court
May 4 Federal Court - Lodgement of Outworker Test Cases. The TCFUA on behalf of 8 outworkers will be taking clothing companies to court to claim their award entitlements which will have national significance. These historic test cases will be the first time in Australia and perhaps the world that Outworkers will be claiming their legal award entitlements. In Victoria with no state awards or any laws protecting outworkers it will be a significant test for the courts to see if they are willing to examine how outwork fits into the modern definition of work. It is hoped it will put an end to the extreme lengths employers go to put in place sham arrangements that give outworkers $3.50 an hour and get away with it. The test cases will challenge the premise that outworkers are contractors just because employers call them contractors. The workers will be asking the court to find them employees and in the alternative arguement will be asking the court to find them independent contractors but entitled to fair contracts and the same entitlements as other employees. Supporters are asked to meet outside the Federal Court - Cnr Latrobe and William Sts 12.30 pm for 30 minutes. To celebrate this historic occasion and these brave workers who are stepping where few vulnerable workers have dared to tread. Annie Delaney Outwork Coordinator TCFUA. LL.VE -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: Nike HQAction
NIKE CAMPAIGN BEGINS Be part of the campaign to encourage Nike to sign the Australian Code to protect outworkers and challenge them about the work conditions of workers producing Nike gear in Asia. Fairwear is delivering a letter to Nike CEO in Australia Mr Mel Sutton at the Nike Headquarters in 28 Victoria Cres Abbotsford, on Tuesday 18 April at 9.30am. Schoolchildren will be handing the letter to Mel Sutton. This Letter is a carefully documented International response to Nike's claim that all is fair in their manufacturing chain. This letter refutes Nike claims with evidence from independant monitors who visited factories in Asia. It also details the reasons why Nike should sign the Australian Homeworkers Code of Practice. We are asking for as many supporters as possible who are able to come down to 28 Victoria Crescent Abbotsford, on Tuesday 18 April from 9.30 am to 10am. Children are especially welcome and this will be a child friendly action. Please ring Pamela on 0417517075 for queries. LL.VD -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: sing loud for land justice
Reminder: A fundraiser for Land Justice Forum for the Yorta Yorta Nation people in their struggle for the native title claim, Land Rights. This Saturday 30 october At. Trades Hall Corner Victoria and Lygon Sts Carlton. From 7.30 pm. Fantastic line up- Two music areas Rock - Dance and Accoustic Includes: Deb Conway Tiddas Anthony Morgan Rebecca Barnard The Dave Graney Show Archie Roach Shane O'Mara Jim Cadman Shane O'Mara Jim Cadman Ruby Hunter Kutcha Edwards and Friends Painters and Dockers Kelli Howel Raymond J Bartholomeuz Also speaking room Where Indigenous speakers and other activists will talk about land - rights - justice issues. Please spread the word and support the Yorta Yorta people. If you cannot make it but would like to make a donation please send a cheque or drop it off to Trades Hall attention Ellen Kleimaker - for Trade Unionists for Land Rights. LL.VJ -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: Nike protest
ACTION AT NIKE SUPERSTORE FairWear will protest at the Nike superstore ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5 AT 1PM AT THE CORNER OF BOURKE AND SWANSTON STS CITY COME ALONG AND HAVE SOME FUN AND SHOW NIKE WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT THEIR LABOUR PRACTICES. This action aims to highlight the Nike failure to address the rights of workers in Australia and overseas making their products. Nike states that behind every shoe behind every garment behind every piece of equipment There is a story inspired by the needs of an athelete. We say there is indeed a story behind every Nike product but the story is inspired by underpaid, exhausted and intimidated workers. Telling the real story behind Nike. Nike is in the Federal court on Monday sept. 6 at 10.15am. This directions hearing will be setting the trial date for breaches of the Clothing Trades Award outwork clauses. The TCFUA has initiated legal proceedings against nike and 71 other clothing companies. Nike is the only company that has refused to settle, has refused to sign the Homeworkers Code of Practice and refused to comply with the Award. Nike thinks it is above the law in Australia because it is so used to getting around the law by using contractors in Vietnam, Indonesia and Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Fairwear needs your support to make sure that Nike gets the message that we care about the real story behind their label the workers story. We need to mobilise to fight against the mighty Nike Public Relations machine and ensure that workers rights win over corporate greed and misinformation. Write or fax Nike Ask them to sign the Homeworkers Code of Practice in Australia Ask them to make sure that workers making their products anywhere in the world receive a living wage and have the right to collectively organise independent unions, work in a safe work environment, free from harassment, intimidation and forced overtime. Tell Nike that you intend to not by their products until you have independent assurance from Nike Watch activists that their products are genuinely inspired by the needs of the workers making their products. You Can Write to Nike general Manager Mel Sutton Nike Australia 28 Victoria Cresent Abbotsford, Victoria 3067 Fax. 9292 9444 And or Megan Ryan Nike Public Relations Manager in Australia. More information available on Nike at www.caa.org.au/campaigns/nike/ LL.VI -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: Nike action
ACTION AT NIKE SUPERSTORE SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 5 AT 1PM Telling the real story behind Nike. FairWear will protest at the Nike superstore at the corner of Bourke and Swanston sts. This action aims to highlight the Nike failure to address the rights of workers in Australia and overseas making their products. Nike states that behind every shoe behind every garment behind every piece of equipment There is a story inspired by the needs of an athelete. We say there is indeed a story behind every Nike product but the story is inspired by underpaid, exhausted and intimidated workers. Telling the real story behind Nike. Nike is in the Federal court on Monday sept. 5 at 10.15am This directions hearing will be setting the trial date for breaches of the Clothing Trades Award outwork clauses. The TCFUA has initiated legal proceedings against Nike and 71 other clothing companies. Nike is the only company that has refused to settle, has refused to sign the Homeworkers Code of Practice and refused to comply with the Award. Nike thinks it is above the law in Australia because it is so used to getting around the law by using contractors in Vietnam, Indonesia and Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane. Fairwear needs your support to make sure that Nike gets the message that we care about the real story behind their label the workers story. We need to mobilise to fight against the mighty Nike Public Relations machine and ensure that workers rights win over corporate greed and misinformation. Write or fax Nike Ask them to sign the Homeworkers Code of Practice in Australia Ask them to make sure that workers making their products anywhere in the world receive a living wage and have the right to collectively organise independent unions, work in a safe work environment, free from harassment, intimidation and forced overtime. Tell Nike that you intend to not by their products until you have independent assurance from Nike Watch activists that their products are genuinely inspired by the needs of workers. You Can Write to Nike general Manager Mel Sutton Nike Australia 28 Victoria Cresent Abbotsford, Victoria 3067 Fax. 9292 9444 And or Megan Ryan Nike Public Relations Manager in Australia. More information available at www.caa.org.au/campaigns/nike/ LL.VI -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV:fairwear action
FairWear supporters will be at the Federal court 2.30 pm Friday 14 May Federal court at Cnr Latrobe and William Streets in the City - opposite Flagstaff Gardens. We welcome any one who is able to come down to the court for about half an hour for the directions hearing where Nike, Motto, Swiss Model and Apple Apparel will appear once again. Nike and Motto are refusing to give the union access to any records and further legal action will be initiated to force them to comply with existing court orders. And refuse to sign the Homeworkers Code of Practice. The case highlights not only the rampant exploitative practices in the industry, also the blatant abuse of the law that many companies have long been getting away with. Your support will send a strong message to the industry that the community cares about the labour behind the label. If you can't make it to the court you can fax or call a message to one or all of these companies asking them to sign the homeworkers code of practice and ensure that the workers making their clothes are fairly paid. The contacts for these companies are as follows: John Browne Motto 157-161 Burnley Street Richmond 3121 Phone 9428 9211 Fax. 9427 7675 Mr Mal Sutton NIKE 28 Victoria Crescent Abbotsford 3067 Ph. 9292 9354 Fax. 9292 9446. Mr Gerry Kramer Swiss Models Sportswear 46 Robbs Rd West Footscray 3011 Ph. 9316 8800 Fax. 9316 8801 Mr John Ballantyne Apple Apparel 1 Regal Drive Springvale 3171 Ph. 9547 8211 Fax. 9547 0224 Here is a sample letter. Dear I am writing because l support the Fair Wear campaign. I have heard that your company is in court for not following the law about outworkers and your contractors. I am very concerned about this news because l care about how much workers are receiving for making your clothes. I understand that you refuse to sign the homeworkers code of practice. I believe you should provide a public guarantee that your products are made exploitation free. The only public guarantee of external monitoring is l accept is the Homeworkers Code of Practice. I will not consider buying any of your products until you have signed the Homeworkers Code of Practice and are following the law. Sincerely, Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV: outwork video screening
MAY DAY FILM NIGHT FILMS OF WORKERS LIVES, STUGGLE AND HOPE. "20 PIECES" The fabulous documentary on outwork in the fashion industry will be screened along side films on the Irish Struggle and Bosnia. Films will be shown at the Australian Metal Workers Union at 440 Elizabeth Street on the 3rd Floor. TUESDAY 27TH APRIL AT 7.30 PM. FREE ENTRY FOR INQUIRIES CONTACT BURT 9580 7364 OR MARG 9419 . LL.VE -- Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsubscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
LL:DDV:FairWear rally
FAIRWEAR RALLY FOR OUTWORKERS Wear your best Bag- (it might be a glad bag) FairWear Supporters would rather wear bags than be seen in Nike, Swiss Model, Black Apple or Motto. FairWear Supporters will be wearing bags on the steps of the Federal Court, the setting for prosecutions against these companies which begin on Tuesday 9/3/99. WHERE: Outside the Federal Court, 450 Little Bourke St. WHEN: 9.30 am Tuesday 9th March. Be there to make them accountable for the Labour behind their Label. The prosecutions of 300 breaches of the award in 1977 were instrumental in getting many retailers and manufacturers to sign the Homeworkers Code of Practice. The new Workplace Relations Act introduced by the Howard Government could mean that this is the last opportunity for the Union to sue for breaches of the award. Contact Pamela Curr ( Coordinator FairWear) 0417 517075 Annie Delaney (TCFUA) 9291 6625 or 0419 587058 LL.VC Leftlink - Australia's Broad Left Mailing List mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.alexia.net.au/~www/mhutton/index.html Sponsored by Melbourne's New International Bookshop Subscribe: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=subscribe%20leftlink Unsub: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]?Body=unsubscribe%20leftlink
