The ethical revolution sweeping through the world's sweatshops

[lovuian]

http://news.independent.co.uk/world/politics/story.jsp?story=629863



By Maxine Frith, Social Affairs Correspondent
16 April 2005


They are the global brands that have raked in multimillion-pound profits on the back of sweatshop labour in developing countries.

But after a decade of denying any wrongdoing, companies such as Nike and Gap are now admitting that their workers have been exploited and abused, and have pledged to improve the conditions of the millions of people who are paid a few pence a day to make their top-selling goods.

The wholesale reform is being hailed as a victory for anti-sweatshop campaigners who just a few years ago were being derided and dismissed by the big brand names. With consumers becoming increasingly concerned with "ethical shopping", activists say firms are realising that being linked with sweatshop labour can lead to a dip rather than a rise in profits.

This week, for the first time, Nike published details of the 700 factories that make its goods in an effort to create more "transparency" for customers. The company pledged to set up a task force to ensure that its codes of conduct on pay, hours and conditions are complied with.
more...

Finally these Corporations are feeling the heat!!!

[glitch]

1. They've been saying "sorry, we'll do better" for YEARS.

Don't trust them.

[podnoi]

7. The "NEW" Improved, Kinder Gentler Sweatshops!

Up the wages slightly and get rid of the most aggredious transgressions, but still leave them in in poverty and just make them wage slaves instead so it looks nicer.

[Zorra]

2. The boycott must be really cutting their sales. n/t

[T_i_B]

3. That, and legal bills.

From the article

Just two years ago, Nike aggressively defended a court case in which it was accused by activists of lying and making misleading claims about its working practices in a corporate and social responsibility report. The company eventually donated $2m (£1.1m) to the American Fair Labour Association as part of an out of court settlement.

[saigon68]

4. Corporate THUGS and HOODLUMS

Swilling at the trough.

[sandnsea]

5. Too late for these poor souls

Just happened on Tuesday, not a word on the teevee and barely a peep in print or on the blogs.

Hundreds Trapped In Bangladesh Factory Collapse

Bangladesh was the site of the garment factory campaign, joined by Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen last year, against corporations including WalMart, Disney and Kohl’s. That fight was for companies to adhere to the already mandated maternity leave for the women who earn as little as 8 cents an hour to sew 60 garments an hour.

“PALASHBARI, Bangladesh (Reuters) - Rescuers pulled 22 bodies from a nine-storey garment factory that collapsed near Bangladesh's capital on Monday but hundreds of people were feared trapped in the rubble.

http://www.lightupthedarkness.org/blog/default.asp?view=plink&id=703

[DeepModem Mom]

6. kick