July 2006

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."

September 2003

by Peter Francis Tassoni

The City Council has been asked by the South Sound Clean Clothes Coalition to consider a policy that would require City Departments to purchase Clean Clothes whenever possible. Clean clothes are articles of clothing that are produced free of "sweatshop labor," or what would be considered as a substandard way to make a living or quality of life. Articles may be produced in an unhealthy environment with little or no concern for the employee producing the work. The current purchasing practices indicate City Departments are approximately 50% compliant.