As in previous years, the FairWear anti-sweatshop campaign took its Christmas sweat-free carols to town, visiting this year fashion retailer Rich, one of far too many who have so far refused to sign up to the Homeworkers Code of Practice.

After a quick rehearsal in the Mall, the 'choir' made its way into the up-market shopping mall that has replaced the old Post Office in Melbourne's landmark GPO building and lined up in front of the fashion display for a rendering of modified version of three well-known carols, Jingle Bells, God Rest Ye Weary Laborers and the Twelve Days of Sweat Shopping.

The performance was then repeated on the steps outside, much to the fascination of the crowds waiting to view the Myer windows.

After the performance, members of the 'choir' handed out useful wallet-sized cards listing companies certified to use the NoSweatshop label on their Australian Made clothing. Visit the website for details:

more info: www.fairwear.org.au | fairwear@fairwear.org.au | 9251 5270

Labels: Community Protest, FairWear

1pm Tuesday
19 December
GPO Building
Burke St Mall
City (Melbourne).

Church, community and union groups from across the denominations have been supportive of the FairWear campaign over many years.

We plan to sing a few songs at a fashion shop that has been ‘more naughty than nice’ in relation to homeworkers. Our songs will be:

• The Twelve Days of Sweat Shopping;
• God Rest Ye Weary Labourers; and,
• Jingle Bells (with a twist).

We would like to know if you could come along. The Carols will take less than one hour to do.

more info: antony.mcmullen@vic.uca.org.au

Labels: Community Protest, FairWear

The Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia (TCFUA) launched legal action against 11 clothing labels in the Federal Court in Melbourne. The union alleges the companies behind labels including Rich, Vicious Threads, TL Wood Australia and Frou Frou have breached laws designed to protect outworkers from being exploited.

Protesters gathered outside court this morning, some wearing the names of the labels on sashes across their bodies and sipping champagne, while others stood behind them holding cardboard horses and placards reading "stop sweatshops"...more

more info: Uniting Church FairWare Campaign | Textile Workers Union (TCFUA)

Labels: Community Protest, FairWear