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Issue No. 165 | 20 December 2002 |
Terror Australis
Interview: Taking Stock Bad Boss: Pushing the Envelope Unions: The Year That Was Republic: Still Fighting International: Global Ties, Global Binds Politics: Turning Green Technology: Unions Online 2002 Industrial: The Past Is Before Us Economics: Market Insecurity Review: Shooting for Sanity Poetry: The PM's Christmas Message Culture: Zanger's Sounds of Summer
Abbott Gears For Grocon Stoush Restaurateur Takes Knife to Wages Protection Legal Double Whammy to End Year We’re Dreaming of a Sweat-Free Christmas Abbott's Xmas Message: Go To Jail Woolies Discount Spirit of Christmas New Collapses Prove Entitlements Farce UN Migrant Worker Charter Welcomed
The Soapbox The Locker Room Bosswatch Predictions
Representative Representatives Men Only? Dry Argument Vale: Phil Berrigan
Labor Council of NSW |
News We’re Dreaming of a Sweat-Free Christmas
In an effort to ‘name and shame’ retailers yet to sign the code, Fair Wear protestors have handed out information flyers telling shoppers which companies have, and have not, agreed to monitor their supply chains. The loud and colourful demonstrations are designed to attract maximum attention. At Fair Wear's Pitt St Mall protest in Sydney, shoppers lined up to hear the Solidarity Choir, which sang between speeches from clothing workers, activists, community and religious leaders. The Choir sang renditions of classic Christmas carols with lyrics changed to reflect the outworkers' story behind many of the labels that could be given as gifts this year. Present also was a real life Grinch, which had stepped out from between the pages of a children's storybook to set an example of bad yuletide sentiment gone right. Grinch was a materialistic Dr Seuss character who wanted to stop Christmas so stole the children's presents but could not steal the spirit that made the day great anyway. Fair Wear pinned him as the natural champion of unscrupulous corporations more concerned with maximising their profits that in ensuring exploited outworkers get a fair go by Christmas and beyond. But by the time Workers Online caught up with the Grinch he was much reformed and had already seen the error of his ways. Having donated his profile to Fair Wear's outworker campaign, the Grinch now spends much of his time making guest appearances at shopping centres and malls around the country. The Grinch (played by student and Fair Wear campaigner Ann Niddrie) said he could no longer stand by and watch the way outworkers were being treated, especially at Christmas. "The exploitation of outworkers is about stripping the workers of their rights and doing anything to increase profits at the workers' expense," he said. "Christmas is about people getting together and celebrating families and friendship but by not signing the code retailers are selfishly blocking the ability of outworkers to provide for their families and to really enjoy their lives," the Grinch said. Fair Wear's list of retailers that have signed the new Retailers Ethical Clothing Code of Practice include Coles Myer (Grace Bros, Kmart, Target), Cue, David Jones, Sussan, Suzanne Grae, Sportsgirl, Gowings, Noni B, and Best & Less. To access the complete list, click here.
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