Fearless: The Importance Of The Textile Industry In Australia

The textile industry is an important aspect in the lives of many Australians, whether it involves wearing the textile products, using it or making them. Due to the importance of the textile industry, companies rely on the exploitation of outworkers, in order to make large profits from their products. Outworkers, are unfairly paid staff, with indecent working hours, usually based working at home (Fair Work Ombudsman, 2017) Furthermore, outworkers receive unfair wages and experience appaling working conditions, which is why Australian consumers should be willing to spend more time, effort and money to buy clothing that is ethically made. However, when buying products, social/cultural, economic and legal perspectives need to be considered, as
it provides a deeper level of understanding and perception on ethical clothing.
The textile industry, often exploits South-East Asian migrant women as outworkers, due to their lack of knowledge about their legal rights and entitlements as workers in Australia.
Additionally, because of the sudden change of cultural setting in coming to a new country, many SE Asian women, find it difficult speaking up about their situation, because freedom of speech for women isn't a common occurrence in their culture (Asian Women at Work.) Work for the outworkers, also takes over so much time in their lives. Hein for instance from ‘Fearless: Stories from Asian Women’ expressed her concerns about the difficulties of her job, as well as balancing family, in order to complete unrealistic deadlines, resulting to strenuous hours, ranging from 12 to 15 hours a day, 7 days per week (Choice, 2014). Furthermore, because of the strenuous hours migrant women frequently face, they find it difficult balancing their education, in order to obtain mainstream jobs, and to escape this exploitation (Fearless: Stories from Asian Women,
2002.)
The companies that exploit the migrants who lack in English speaking skills, often do so, in order to take advantage of their oblivious mindset whilst in Australia. The outworkers are treated so poorly, that physical and verbal abuse can occur, as well as receiving property damage and threats, causing fear within them ("Outworker Laws Attacked Because They Work") The working conditions of the outworkers also prove to be unsuitable and hazardous to their health, their workspace is typically in an isolated garage, where it is crowded and dusty, affecting their health greatly (McCutcheon, 2011.) Besides having negative consequences on their health, family matters are also affected, especially in cases of unrealistic deadlines, where for instance, Hein had to bring her children in to help, to finish the order at a faster rate. Finishing orders are incredibly important for the outworkers, as they are only paid for the work they finish. Additionally, the pay rates of the outworkers are already poor enough, some starting from $4/hour (Choice, 2014) less than half of the average pay wage, ‘I work very long hours but still only get paid $5/hour’ – Anne Tram, (FairWear.)
Because of the low-income outworkers receive; they are placed on the bottom of the economic chain.
This is because, as well as the low wage rate, supplies such as, sewing equipment, electricity, furniture and haberdashery are typically purchased by the outworkers, which can cost up to several thousands of dollars, rather than being supplied by their workers (McCutcheon 2011.) Although, in certain circumstances, where the equipment is supplied by their employers, the migrant outworkers are consequently limited to working for their supplier, making it impossible to receive other jobs. The outworker’s families, are often affected by this, as they would find it difficult to survive without the wage earned. Balancing all the requirements associated with supplying and maintaining their equipment, family and lifestyle would be problematic considering, the low paying wage. Relating to these social and cultural perspectives, outworkers are left in the dark about the entitlements Australian workers receive, hence leaving them at loss from the benefits. The entitlements include, sick leave, holiday pay, worker’s compensation and superannuation, all leaving them to unfair disadvantages. Due to the lack of entitlements the outworkers receive, the companies benefit greatly from this, as they still earn profits, whilst leaving the outworkers at the bottom of the economic chain as they are only contracted workers, not actual employees of the company ("Outworkers' Legal Rights"
2017.)
Soon after the tariff got lifted, the Australian market soon flooded with cheap clothing from, China and Bangladesh. This caused Australian clothing factories to be closed and the loss of hundreds of people’s jobs. Due to the increase in attention surrounding the situation of outworkers, Hein (Fearless: Stories from Asian Women, 2002) shortly joined the union (TCFU) in order to increase awareness about the controversial topic. The TCFU is a union that works to create awareness about the current situation in the textile industry and often has demonstrations held to create public awareness and gather support. The TCFU has contacted members of the parliament, to talk about the current situation happening with the outworkers. However, it is clear that there needs to be a federal government legislation to protect outworkers. As well as having such laws, Australian consumers should support such movements and be active in events and organisations such as the FairWear Campaign, to help raise awareness in the community about the plight of the textile industry.
The situation occurring in the textile industry is in dire need of such help and awareness. Several acts could provide to be helpful for the outworkers. For instance, joining the FairWear Campaign and encourage it. Promoting the campaign via Facebook, Instagram etc. can also be just as helpful, as social media is an easy method to have a large impact in the lives of many others. Rogers from Choice has stated that ‘a majority of consumers would be willing to pay more for ethically produced clothes’ meaning that there is already an audience, ready for change. The consumers can research online about ethically made clothing, the Baptist World Aid, for instance, can be used as a source, as it provides a substantial amount of companies. Using this, Australian consumers can spend more time learning about the clothes they're purchasing.
Australian consumers should be more willing to spend more time, money and effort in purchasing ethically made clothing. This is because, more than 329,000 outworkers (Linden, 1993) are affected in Australia by these inhumane treatments. The effects can stem from social and cultural origins, such as taking advantage of non-English speaking migrants, because of their lack of knowledge of Australian conditions, and their inability to speak up against the exploitation they're facing. This exploitation is unethical, as these migrants seek to another country in order for a better life for their family, and yet, they face exploitation and abuse instead. Furthermore, due to their mistreatment at work, the wages these outworkers receive are beyond unethical and makes them land at the bottom of the economic chain, with wages being as low as $4/hour. Not only is their treatment and payment appalling, but it points out some legal issues that’s occurring in the textile industry. Innocent people and families are harmed, because of this, Australian consumers need to take a stand and help support the outworkers, the TCFU, FairWear and other organisations that are making a difference in the lives of people who are suffering from this ‘silent problem.’ This issue, needs to be spoken out and exposed by being more active in spending more time, money and effort to choose products that are ethically made in order to improve the problem for the migrants, who call Australia their home ‘As an outworker working at home, I wish I could still work, but also have time to learn English and join in with social activities in the community – Giang Le (FairWear)