The union for textile clothing and footwear (TCF) workers, CFMEU Manufacturing has slammed the Morrison Government’s Budget for ignoring vulnerable workers in the female dominated industry.
While measures in the Budget have largely been welcomed by retail groups, the CFMEU Manufacturing (CFMEUM) division claims that it is disappointed by a lack of commitment to supporting manufacturing jobs and reducing worker exploitation in the TCF industry.
According to the union, it is the second year in a row that Ethical Clothing Australia's (ECA) - an organisation working to combat TCF worker exploitation - pre-budget submission has not been addressed.
The CFMEUM states that ECA requested $6.75 million over three years to support and expand operations.
"This is a so-called 'Budget for Women' that has ignored some of the most vulnerable women workers in the country," CFMEUM TCF national secretary Jenny Kruschel said.
"A 'Budget for Women' can’t actively ignore the wage theft, super theft and appalling conditions of thousands of women.
"Parts of the industry are still underground and characterised by mass exploitation, sweat shops and appalling conditions where wage theft, harassment and poor safety abounds.
"ECA’s call for Government assistance is supported by not just workers and the union, but hundreds of companies and supply chain firms committed to doing the right thing and wanting to promote the accredited and ethical, Australian Made part of the industry," she said.
To address the issue, the union is set to escalate its campaign for support of the ECA by mobilising thousands of workers in the industry’s supply chain to lobby political parties for commitments ahead of the next federal election.
According to the union, ECA’s Commonwealth support was cut in 2014 following Tony Abbott and Joe Hockey's 'Commission of Audit.'
"There’s no real commitment to jobs across all TCF sectors," Kruschel added.
"The Government should support the whole supply chain from top to bottom.
"We need to back Australian manufacturing, we need sustainable and ethical jobs," she said.