NATIONAL: Firefighters have taken up the campaign against Pacific Brands' decision to move its manufacturing operations offshore.
The Council Of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) today revealed the rapid response local manufacturers had to the Victorian bushfire emergency effort. The Combined Australian Protective Equipment Suppliers - a group of local companies who produce firefighter personal protective equipment - went beyond the call of duty as fires ravaged local communities across the state.
One such supplier, Bruck Textiles, stepped up production levels and met delivery surcharges in a bid to get materials out to suppliers in one day.
"We have ten employees, firefighters, on secondment to the regions facing another nightmarish scenario," CEO Alan Williamson said.
The company has a policy of paid leave of absence for any volunteer who has been indefinitely extended by firefighting commitments. It has expanded this to include any employee protecting property or assisting family, friends or neighbours.
As reported on Ragtrader Online yesterday, the United Firefighters Union staged an "anti-fashion" parade of Bonds and Pacific Brands products in Melbourne yesterday with similar protests reportedly taking place at the company's New South Wales facilities today.
The protests were part of widespread backlash against Pacific Brands' decision to wind down its onshore manufacturing operations and cut 1850 jobs.
In another blow for the listed company, the Federal Government today vowed it would look at retrieving funds given to Pacific Brands in the wake of its job cuts. According to the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union, the company accepted $17 million in funding for its onshore program over the last two years.