Australian fashion labels including Mariana Hardwick, Very Very and Arthur Galan are failing to protect vulnerable workers from being exploited, the textile union alleges.
The Textile Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia has brought Federal Circuit Court action against 23 companies, accusing them of breaching the outwork provision of the industry award.
Union secretary Michele O'Neil said there was evidence of workers, who are often migrant women, being paid between $5 to $6 an hour, without sick leave, annual leave or superannuation.
"The companies have breached numerous provisions of the award which covers these workers," she told reporters on Thursday.
"These are really important provisions that are designed to protect the workers at the bottom of those supply chains."
Ms O'Neil said the companies had to take responsibility for the workers' rights, even though most workers were employed through third parties.
Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) chief executive Kiri Delly said it was important for manufacturers to follow their legal obligations.
She told AAP the TFIA was pushing for regulatory change so manufacturers could employ contractors, like most other industries.
"There is currently a lot of complex paperwork and a lack of flexibility," she said.
The matter will be heard in court in July.
The union has already taken action against 170 other companies for allegedly failing to meet minimum standards.
Share
