‘PERFECTION 12’ LAUNCH ALBUM OF SONGS AFTER FILING ONE OF THE BIGGEST WORKPLACE SEXUAL HARASSMENT CASES IN THE FEDERAL COURT
Twelve women working on farms in Australia who have lodged one of the largest sexual harassment cases in the Federal Court, have launched an album of songs overnight in their struggle for justice.
Twelve women, all members of the United Workers Union (UWU), are taking one of Australia’s largest horticulture companies Perfection Fresh to court accusing them of not providing a safe workplace free from sexual harassment and assault.
The ‘Perfection 12’ as they are now known are adding their voices through song to a historical movement and the cause of equality, justice, enjoyment and the right to be respected and safe.
The origins of Bread and Roses date back to the early 1900s coming from the suffragette movement for equal rights and the militant textile strike in Massachusetts in 1912 led by members of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) union. The Bread and Roses Strike as it became known, was won by a diverse, migrant workforce who were predominantly women.
The poetry and song that were inspired by the political slogan have survived to this day calling for not just bread but for roses too.
UWU Farm Sector Director Caterina Cinanni is working on the case with the ‘Perfection12’ women and is a spokesperson for the campaign. Court suppression orders are in place to protect the identities of the women bringing the case.
“Insecure work is a key driver of unbalanced power relations between workers and their managers,” Ms Cinanni said.
Perfection Fresh’s Two Wells glasshouses cover football field sized tracks of land and operate all year round. There are 800 workers at the glasshouses in South Australia and only 200 of them have secure jobs or guaranteed hours.
“Job security and the right to speak up and support each other in this environment are key factors at eliminating sexual harassment and gendered workplace violence,” Ms Cinanni said.
“The ‘Perfection 12’ are fighting for job security, improved union rights and safety because they want these changes for all workers that pick and pack the fruit and vegetables for Coles and Woolworths – and for workers everywhere.”
The full album and further information can be found here: rottenperfection.org/album/
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