New York Counties Push for Uniforms Made with Fair Practices

Thursday 30th of October 2008 08:58:49 PM

The interest in fair trade practices is filtering down to local US government levels now. This was never more apparent than with the news that universities across the country had decided to join forces to push for fair trade practices. They schools publicly said they are supporting a student initiative called the Designated Suppliers Program (DSP).

The purpose of the program is to push for universities to spend their money on clothing like uniforms that are made my companies which treat workers fairly and pay a decent wage. State universities are funded with government dollars so the student initiative focuses on encouraging spending that also serves a social purpose.

Poor working conditions in the apparel industry are not just found in emerging economy countries such as Bangladesh. As recently as July 2008, a sweatshop operation was discovered operating in the New York borough called Queens. The plant was forcing workers to work 12 hour days and was seriously behind on wage payments. Using tax dollars to purchase clothing from companies such as this sends the wrong message according to the students pushing for fair labor practices.

A national movement has taken shape called the Local and Government Sweatfree Consortium. The Consortium is made up of government officials from state and local levels. The Consortium hopes to be operating as an independent monitor of any factory or apparel manufacturer producing government clothing. The Consortium is in the final planning stages and is working diligently to sign on as many government members as possible.

By taking collective action against sweatshops it is hoped that inhumane practices will cease while companies that improve operations will see additional business as a reward. The creation of groups such as the Consortium and the DSP should send a loud and clear message that US government funds or taxpayer dollars will not be used to support any manufacturing activities which exploit the poor.

(c ) Photo by Margarit Ralev, Ralev.com at //http:www.Ralev.com,www.sxc.hu/