In Australia tariff reductions and increased monopoly's by large retailers have contributed to the closure of factories and the shift to below award paid homeworking as a cheap option for the industry. This means they can have 3 to 4 workers working for the price of one award paid worker. Retailers need to be encouraged to conduct their business more ethically and only a campaign such as Fair Wear can do this. It is important that more people in the community understand about the exploitation involved in the production of our clothes. More people will get involved in responding to this problem so that retailers get a clear message that consumers and the community in general do care.
Fair wear is a community response to a community problem.
Consumers have a right to know under what conditions the clothing we purchase are made. It is the responsibility of consumers to demand that companies that profit from the clothing industry do not use sweated labour. Fair Wear is about encouraging retailers and manufacturers to become responsible and ethical. It is about consumers having a choice and we will encourage consumers to choose companies acting responsibly. Fair Wear will also encourage share holders to take up this issue.