Union Made : Rights for workers in a ‘Sweat’ free world

There are many dubious, harmful and outright appalling consequences of a world full to the brim with disposable consumer goods. Many of the products that fill our shopping centres and malls are manufactured on the back of some of the world’s poorest people. In order to provide cheap throw-away garments and gadgets or, rip off both the consumer and the worker by manufacturing cheaply and then selling at an extravagant price, many companies utilise off shore manufacturing ’sweatshop’ style production methods.

Workers in a garment factory in South East Asia

Some of the biggest sport and clothing ware companies grossed millions of dollars last year while continuing to manufacture their goods in conditions that support poverty and disregard for workers’ rights. These brands are getting richer while paying their workers as little as $3 (US) a day. On this wage the workers struggle to feed and clothe their families while working long and unreasonable hours in oppressive and sometimes dangerous conditions.

The workers are often denied the right to form Unions stripping them of the power to improve their conditions and uphold their rights. Some big brands actually set up shop in countries and free trade zones where it is illegal or very difficult for workers to set up unions.

By supporting companies and brands that manufacture their goods under these conditions the unknowing consumer is in turn supporting the continuation of poverty and lack of basic workers’ rights around the world.

It can be extremely difficult to know where our consumer products come from and how or by whom they were manufactured. Some of the biggest brands have statements and policies available on their websites; but these still lack clarity and transparency. A little research on the net can uncover many reports and journalistic stories on the deplorable practices that still continue to exist throughout the world.

However, there are steps consumers can take to try and avoid contributing to companies and brands that continue to exploit workers’ and feed the cycle of poverty.

Consider these options:

• Avoid purchasing cheap, throw away items such as some department store clothing, cheap disposable electronics, footwear and accessories. If an item is inexpensive in comparison to other choices it has no doubt been made cheaply. This means someone, somewhere has paid the extra cost.
• Avoid brands that are known to use questionable manufacturing practices. If unsure do a little research on the net before making a purchase.
• Buy fair trade or Union Made where available. A fair trade endorsement is a guarantee of fair working conditions, fair pay and sustainable positive manufacturing processes.
• Before making a new purchase have a look online there are many new, wonderful, forward thinking and clever companies manufacturing awesome products using sustainable and positive manufacturing practices that pay fair wages and create positive working conditions. [ Check out the links below. ]
• Buy vintage or pre-loved; online or from charity stores. Second hand or Recycled is a win-win option. Quite often better quality garments and products are available at the same or less cost than cheap department stores.

As consumers we can put pressure on the big brands and companies getting fat on the cycle of poverty. It is inexcusable that they are allowed to still contribute knowing and willing to poverty and exploitation of their fellow humans. We can do this not only by boycotting their products; but let them know what they are doing is wrong and unjustified. Send an email or correspondence, join campaigns and add your voice to the growing concern around the world.

The big brands driven by greed need to know how consumers feel and that ever person has a right to a living wage and fair working conditions. If these companies would clean up their act it would be a huge positive step towards eradicating poverty and exploitation around the world. Make a positive choice and add your consumer power to the cause!

Some great alternatives to Big Band products:

Blackspot Shoes Awesome sneakers!! “Blackspot shoes are made with hemp, recycled tires and vegan leather and produced in fair-trade or unionized factories.”

Etiko Fair Trade providing funky alternatives in footwear and clothing “The Etiko brand has been created for the conscious consumer … consumers who realise that the way they spend their money can have an impact not just on their wallets but also on the environment and fellow humans around the world.”

No Sweat 100% union-made apparel great range of footwear and clothing “No Sweat is the pioneer of fair trade fashion and footwear, setting an empowered, unionized workforce as the gold standard for fair trade clothing.”

Want to do more? Take action and join Oxfam in their campaign against worker injustice.

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"I am only one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but still I can do something. And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do." ~Hellen Keller