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The Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) has met with representatives from Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA) in a bid to resolve issues over the Home Workers Code Committee (HWCC).
As previously reported on ragtrader.com.au, the TFIA was recently removed from the HWC Committee, in the midst of a clash over proposed changes to the Home Workers Code of Practice (HWCP).
However, the TFIA has now confirmed it has been in touch with ECA representatives to regain its place on the Committee.
In a statement, the TFIA also further explained its objections to proposed changes to the HWCP.
“In prosecuting the TCF industries case, TFIA had gone public with major changes to submissions made by ECA to ACCC for re-authorisation of the Code which exempts it from prosecution under the Trade Practices Act.
“The ACCC authorisation provides immunity from court action to companies that are signatories or have become accredited under the HWCP who enact provisions of the HWCP. This means companies can implement procedures under the HWCP, such as ending contracts with suppliers because of the exploitative practices without fear of court action.”
In defending the TFIA position president Michel Abeysekera also said the TFIA is committed to mending tensions with the ECA, but will remain focused on its key objective.
“TFIA continues to be at the forefront of assisting members and other stakeholders to be able to comply with the TCFAI Award in the use of homeworkers, to maintain both homeworker and manufacturer flexibility and minimise paperwork and distractions,” he said.
“The TFIA Board is committed to resolving the issues collaboratively and is looking forward to a successful outcome for the TCF industry.”
He added that TFIA will be documenting all members’ issues and sending the report to ECA for appraisal. A subsequent meeting between both parties is expected to be held in the near future to help decide on a way to move forward.
The TFIA is the peak Australian industry body for the Textile Clothing and Footwear (TCF) sector.
The not-for-profit organisation is also one of the founding members of the HWCC, along with TCFUA, AIG and ACCI.
The Committee was established 2000 to administer the HWCP and an accreditation scheme known then as the ‘No Sweat Shop Label’. In 2009 the scheme was renamed Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA).