Fair Trade makes a difference in people's lives: Multi-state effort for sweatshop-free public purchases

topic : fair trade

South Sound Clean Clothes Coalition is initiating an effort to encourage Governor Gregoire to join a multi-state effort started by Maine Governor Baldacci to have state clothing and uniform purchases from sweatshop-free sources. Governor Baldacci sent a letter to the other governors stating: "Young women and children work long hours for poverty wages in inhumane conditions until they are worn out and unemployable. These abuses cause untold human suffering and economic and political volatility across the globe."

The turning point on recycling came when states joined that effort. Providing for large quantities of sweatshop free clothes can keep items competitive and make sweatshop-free clothes available to consumers.

Dick Meyer, Coordinator with the South Sound Clean Clothes Coalition and the Washington State effort points out:

"The record of sweatshops around the world with forced labor or intolerable working conditions have led to many deaths and illnesses. This last February between 80 and 200 workers at a Bangladesh sweatshop were killed in a fire with employees locked in the building. Throughout the sweatshop industry there have been severe assaults on human rights and dignity. Fear and the race to the bottom with shop closures have created many victims.

"However, the public purchasing of clothes from sweatshop-free sources by states will expand the opportunities. Local retail stores would make sweatshop free options available to consumers much like fair-traded coffee is available now in local grocery stores.

"Most people do not want to wear clothes made in sweatshops but do not feel they have many purchasing options available. This campaign to enlist State of Washington support in this multi-state effort can make the difference. We are now asking people to join this effort."

For information or to volunteer: e-mail: info@southsoundcleanclothes.org, phone: 360 705-2819