The Campaign For Sweat Free Clothing

My final thoughts

spiffytiffysue — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 05:26:22 +0000

So throughout this project I have learned some interesting information. Mainly a lot of companies that I had no idea had sweatshops. I was aware previously that sweatshops existed, but I didn’t realize just how many and that some existed in the United States. I plan to support campaigns against sweatshops, buy donating money. I plan to stay updated, and I will stop shopping at the stores I know for a fact have sweatshops. A good organization, for anyone interested, is behind the label. Their website is www.behindthelabel.com.

Some more websites to check out..

spiffytiffysue — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 05:17:25 +0000

www.colombiajournal.org

www.nytimes.com

www.breakingnewsenglish.com

www.cleanclothes.org

www.nlcnet.org

Union Leaders’ Killed

spiffytiffysue — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 05:14:38 +0000

In July 2001 Coca Cola’s Columbian subsidary was accused of using parlimentary death squads to target union leaders and murder, torture, and threaten them. The suit was filed by the United Steelworkers of American and International Labor Rights Fund on behalf of the Columbian union that represents the bottle factory in Columbia. Columbia has had over 4000 deaths related to unions, just in the past 15 years.

The Gap

spiffytiffysue — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 05:14:30 +0000

In Oct. 2007 The Gap meet with it suppliers to investigate allegations that they are using child labor. The gap has already terminated a contract in India for similar charges, and assures the public that none of the merchandise made there will be sold. The Gap is determined to keep it’s image clean. Last year the gap had to cease business with 23 factories due to violations of Code of Vendor Conduct.

Blah

spiffytiffysue — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:46:01 +0000

I really hate wordpress/ blogging in general. I feel there could have been a much more effective and productive project we could have done. I am sorry if I offend anyone who likes this project, just venting out my feelings about.

Help Out

spiffytiffysue — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:43:37 +0000

If you would like to show your support against sweats shops go to www.nosweat.org.uk and click on merchandise. There you can purchase items like the No Sweat t-shirts. Funds go to help those affected by sweatshops.

Good Websites to Check Out

spiffytiffysue — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:40:06 +0000

Some good websites to check out are:

www.behindthelabel.org

www.nosweat.org.uk

and

www.reuters.com

Why Companies Feel The Need to Have Sweatshops

spiffytiffysue — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:36:58 +0000

I understand that in today’s society money is crucial, but how can someone abused another to gain money? Companies in the U.S. have to abide by certain labor laws, and they do alright. But, why do they feel the need to go to undeveloped countries and exploit the fact that they are poor. Yes, raw materials are cheaper, but because of that fact, would they really be losing money by treating their workers fairly? I am almost certain that most Americans wouldn’t tolerate working under these conditions, so why do those in the sweatshops tolerate it. America had to fight to gain the labor laws we have today, and we need to fight to gain it for all under any American Company. It’s no wonder why so many countries do not like the U.S. We only seem to want to protect our own.

Crimes Latin America

spiffytiffysue — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:31:07 +0000

So far there has been a total of 5 labor leaders killed in Guatemala. This shows the risk of organizing labor in the country. In 2005 CAFTA was created, after much dispute about the strength of the worker safeguards. Just last year Guatemala has implemented the pacts. The country has been known for labor abuses, especially during it’s 36 years long civil war. Even now workers rights are still weak. Opponents of this pact say that tougher rules must be enforced before America should trade with countries like Guatemala. The U.S. Trade Representative has given $40 million dollars to help stregthen Guatemala’s labor ministies, helping with industrial disputes, and monitoring labor abuses. Though, little has changed.

Sweatshops

spiffytiffysue — Mon, 22 Oct 2007 19:15:50 +0000

This is a list of some of the companies that have already been established as having sweatshops:

Apple

Nike

Disney

Coca-Cola

Burberry

Starbucks

The Gap

Wal-Mart

Are you surprised by some of the names? I bet you have been to nearly all of these companies’ stores, did you know that they use sweatshops to manufacture your goods? Now that you know, what are you gonna do about it?