Fair fashion

Nominated companies are publicly named for not taking steps to become ethical after being busted in factories not complying with Australian Federal laws.

As the battle to win hearts and minds of consumers continues, the No Sweat Shop label is a remedy in our own backyard, but how can shoppers avoid overseas sweatshop-made clothing?

Internationally, there are few ethical choices available. In the absence of appropriate legislation, FairWear has introduced the new Fair Work Standard, which is a set of principles for Australian and multinational companies sourcing and or producing garments overseas for the Australian and international market. Built on the principles of basic human and working rights, this standard aims to guide companies to take steps towards ethical supply chain management and towards ensuring fair working conditions for garment workers.

CSR Asia, a social enterprise that strives to be the leading provider of information about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the Asia-Pacific region, reports that legislation has been put forward in the UK (recently approved) and US that could ban the sale of goods made in sweatshops and allow individuals or organisations to sue companies that violate the law.

Many see this kind of legislation as a solution to the prevalence of new voluntary standards adopted by companies wishing to show off their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) stripes. CSR is either a toothless PR exercise or it can be a framework towards a greener, more people-friendly industry if a company is sincere about change. Instead of the uneven and voluntary approach internationally, legislation would compel companies to do the right thing.

Will Australian companies be forced into acting ethically or will they become industry leaders voluntarily? FairWear continues to challenge those companies not taking the hint.