Consumers demand safer working conditions:

A new Oxfam survey shows almost 70% of Australians would pay more for their clothes if they knew overseas workers were paid a decent wage and that garment factories had safe working conditions.

The survey examined attitudes to Australian clothing retailers after more than 1100 Bangladesh garment workers died when their factory collapsed in April.

It revealed 84% of consumers want Australian companies to sign onto an accord to improve safety at Bangladesh factories.

Oxfam Australia Chief Executive Dr Helen Szoke said given that sweatshop conditions were the norm throughout Asia, and globally, it was not enough for companies to assure customers the people making their clothes were working in safe conditions – proof was needed.

“Since 2005, more than 1800 people have died in fires and building collapses in Bangladesh. Companies must do more before more lives are lost,” she said.

Dr Szoke said more than 50 companies around the world had already signed up to the Bangladesh Accord on Fire and Building Safety which will make independent reports on factory safety inspections public, allow workers to refuse dangerous work, ensure training for workers and that companies are covering building repair costs.

On Friday, Cotton On became the fourth Australian company to sign onto the Accord. Dr Szoke praised the retailer’s decision to join and encouraged other retailers to also sign.

“Following public debate on the conditions of clothing workers, only four Australian companies – Kmart, Target, Forever New and Cotton On – have prioritised clothing workers’ health and safety by joining this important Accord.”

The pressure is now on for Big W, Best and Less and other Australian companies sourcing from Bangladesh to follow suit.

“Our research highlighted that 83% of Australians want clothing retailers to stop being so secretive and publish their supplier factories’ locations so independent checks can find out how workers are being treated.”

The Oxfam survey showed 81% think Australian clothing companies have a responsibility to ensure overseas workers are paid enough to cover basic needs, such as food, clothing, housing.

“Our research shows consumers want Australian retailers to prevent further tragedies by taking greater responsibility and looking after the thousands of workers who make the clothes we wear everyday,” said Dr Szoke.