Undeterred by the weather, workers chained themselves together and held a rally outside Country Road’s flagship store in South Yarra today.
In an escalation of action, workers made their protest visible to those thinking about stocking up for Christmas, or looking for a new summer outfit.
United Workers Union logistics coordinator Mick Power said workers had had enough and were speaking out.
“Country Road claims this bargaining process has been fair, but have made every attempt to silence the voices of workers who only want a living wage,” Power said.
“Country Road’s despicable actions have included laying manure on the site of a planned peaceful protest. This is just the latest in a campaign of intimidation and bullying designed to intimidate workers from exercising their legal right to industrial action.
“The reality for workers at Country Road, beyond the glossy magazines, celebrity-stacked fashion shows and beautifully curated boutiques is a hostile workplace coupled with poverty wages and mostly male management who don’t want to listen to their mostly women workers.
“In April, 82 percent of workers voted to reject the insulting offer from Country Road. Since then, the company has refused to compromise or even talk about a fair deal, despite workers and their union moving on many of their claims.
“Going into Melbourne Fashion week, where Country Road will be unironically bragging about its commitment to upholding ‘high social, ethical, and environmental standards in the supply chain’, we will be making sure that customers and admirers of the company know the truth.”
Workers’ strike at Country Road will likely impact retail and online sales in the lead up to the busy Christmas period.
Check out CountryRogue.com.au for more information about the ongoing campaign.