FairWear addresses and works to eliminate the gross exploitation of homeworkers (outworkers) in the Australian clothing industry, recognizing that this is just as much of an issue at home as abroad.

The FairWear campaign actively encourages Australians to think critically about where the clothes we wear are produced and under what conditions. Recognising that the conditions of outworkers in Australia are a result of changes in the global garment industry, our concern extends to the international garment supply chain.

Homeworkers are mostly women who make clothes in their houses situated in the suburbs of Australia for as little as $3 to $4 an hour. They often work up to 18 hours a day, 7 days a week. Homeworkers make clothes for our major retailers, designers and even suppliers of school uniforms. They are some of the lowest paid and most exploited Australian workers.

In 1995 there were an estimated 300,000 people regularly working as outworkers in the garment industry in Australia, including the family members of outworkers often called upon to help finish last minute orders.

Currently, outworker advocates are reporting high rates of unemployment amongst outworkers from particular communities and outworkers are facing downward pressure on their wages as a result.

Many of these workers still work intermittently as outworkers, but it is expected that far less are receiving the regular work they were in 1995. It is more accurate to say that there still exists a large labor pool of thousands of outworkers.

FairWear is a campaigning organisation that aims to give you the tools you need to support the rights of outworkers and sweatshop workers in Australia and internationally.

As individuals and as a community we make a difference

HOW TO USE THIS SITE: This site contains sections organised by who you are, and what you are looking for. If you are concerned about the clothes you buy and where to shop please consult the drop down list under 'Campaign Activity' and go to 'Shoppers' it's that easy! Alternatively, just use the search facility to pinpoint the information you want.

For a FairWear Office near you, click here.