Australian fashion traders will have until January 11 to shape the future of employees in the sector.
The Fair Work Amendment (Textile, Clothing and Footwear Industry) Bill was set down for government inquiry on November 25, with the fashion sector now able to lodge submissions on the proposed legislation.
The Bill seeks to amend the Fair Work Act 1999 as it applies to outworkers in the textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry.
It seeks to enhance existing protection for these contractors by applying provisions of the Fair Work Act that are not currently applicable for outworkers.
This will be done in part by changing several definitions in the Act relating to TCF work and workers, as well as extending their ability to secure payment along the supply chain.
It will also extend right of entry rules in certain areas where it believes suspected breaches affecting outworkers.
Submissions should be received by January 11, 2012 with the reporting date scheduled for February 11, 2012.
The Bill has already caused heated debate among major industry associations, with some alleging it will reduce incentives for brands to manufacture locally and reduces the competitiveness of local outworkers.
For more on the dust up, pick up a copy of Ragtrader's December 2 edition.
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