Union Asks Rafter To Give Pacific Brands A Serve
In the next stage of its campaign to save the jobs of Pacific Brands’ workers, the Textile Clothing & Footwear Union of Australia (‘TCFUA’) has released an open letter, launched an email campaign and announced protest
rallies.
The TCFUA has today released an open letter to Bonds’ ambassadors Pat Rafter, Sarah Murdoch and Michael Clarke calling
on the celebrities to urge the company to reverse its decision and to publicly disassociate themselves from Pacific
Brands until it does so.
Pacific Brands announced last week that it would cease manufacturing in Australia, slashing 1850 jobs across the
country. It later emerged that in the lead up to the job cuts, executives and directors of the company had received
large pay increases. The company has also received millions of dollars in Government support.
TCFUA National Secretary, Michele O’Neil, said that people looked up to the Bonds’ ambassadors and expected them to
support Australian jobs and industry.
‘This decision by Pacific Brands is a devastating blow to Australian industry, the community, and, of course, our
members who have worked loyally for the company, in many cases, for decades. We do not accept that the decision was
necessary.’ Ms O’Neil said.
‘We are asking Pat, Sarah and Michael to stick up for the workers’ voice and to support our efforts to save these jobs’
O’Neil continued.
‘These Bonds’ ambassadors were chosen by the company because they are great Australian role models. Now we need them to
step up and save the jobs of their fellow Australians and to support Australian manufacturing.’ Ms O’Neil said.
The union is hopeful that Rafter, Murdoch and Clarke will respond and support the workers. ‘The community expects these
stars to support Australia so we hold high hopes that they will continue to act as positive role models and work with us
to save Pacific Brands’ jobs.’
The TCFUA has also planned a series of protest rallies, kicking off in Melbourne’s Bourke Street mall tomorrow at noon
and has launched an email campaign at www.MakeitHere.com.au
TCFUA National Secretary, Michele O’Neil said today that the support from the community had been overwhelming,
‘Australian workers and the community share our anger over the actions of the company, and have been extraordinary in
their support for our fight to save the jobs of Pacific Brands workers.’ Ms O’Neil said.
The union, which is supported by the ACTU and the wider union movement, expected a big turnout for tomorrow’s protest in
Melbourne. It was also encouraging people to join its email campaign by logging on to its ‘Make It Here’ campaign
website and sending emails to the company’s CEO, the Prime Minister and the Industry Minister seeking a reversal of the
decision to slash jobs.
The Melbourne rally will take place in Bourke Street Mall at 12pm on Thursday 5 March
A series of rallies in New South Wales will commence outside the Pacific Brands Factory, 190 Dunmore Street,
Wentworthville at 12pm, Friday 6 March, followed by further rallies outside the Pacific Brands Factory, 253 Nolan
Street, Unanderra at 3.30pm, Tuesday 10 March; and outside the Pacific Brands Bonds Factory, Short Street, Cessnock at
12pm Friday 13 March
The union’s campaign website is www.MakeitHere.com.au
ENDS