Homeworkers' Code of Practice Program
It has been estimated that there are currently around 330,000 homeworkers in the Textile, Clothing and Footwear (TCF) industry, with many earning less than $4.00 an hour and working up to seven days a week.
The Homeworkers’ Code of Practice Program will help to raise awareness of the rights of Australian Homeworkers and ensure they are protected from exploitation. The Government firmly believes that all workers should receive fair pay and decent working conditions.
The Homeworkers’ Code of Practice Program provides $4 million over four years for the development and promotion of the Homeworkers’ Code of Practice (the Code) and ‘No Sweat Shop’ label. The funding for the Program commenced January 2008.
The Code and ‘No Sweat Shop’ label promote ethical Australian manufacturers, retailers and designers and assist consumers make informed purchasing decisions.
The Code and the ‘No Sweat Shop’ label are administered by the Homeworkers Code Committee Incorporated (the Committee) which has representatives from the major stakeholders in the textile, clothing and footwear industry including employer, union and community organisations.
The Committee works closely with other stakeholders in the industry to promote the Code and good employment practices more generally.
The Program is managed by the Workplace Programmes Branch in the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations.
Further information on the Code, the ‘No Sweat Shop’ label and the Committee can be obtained from the Committee’s website.