Blog

Labor is Not a Commodity Collaboration Blog

April 24, 2007

We are organizations that hear the stories of people who have experienced unacceptable working conditions, often for the sake of consumers having access to cheap, convenient products precisely when they want them. The incredible rise of just a few corporations which allows for unchecked market power has continued a vicious cycle of exploitation. ILRF, STITCH, SweatFree Communities and USLEAP refuse to accept the status quo as the way things have to be. On the contrary, we are working harder than ever to develop strategic partnerships with NGOs and trade unions around the world so that workers can continue to organize and stand up for themselves in the face of increasing pressure to work longer hours for less money.

Firestone Pollutes

April 19, 2007

This latest news confirms the claims that have been made by members of the Stop Firestone Coalition both in Liberia and the US.  Firestone has spread misinformation about their environmental record, but you can read the Stop Firestone Coalition's response to Firestone here.  You can also send a protest e-mail here.

To see how Firestone's pollution effects Liberians directly, check out this photo essay by Michael Zumstein.

Don't Wait. Activate!

April 12, 2007

Don't Wait.
Activate!

Don't wait.  Activate!
Make the world start spinning in a different
direction.


Don't wait. Activate!


Open up your arms and let your wings take
flight.


Don't wait. Activate!


A small world, after all, needs your
protection.

Compassionate in Latin America? Compassionate in New Bedford?

March 19, 2007

These crimes are often not properly investigated and there
is a general sentiment of government condoned impunity. According to a
Washington Post article, “Labor Rights in Guatemala Aided Little by Trade Deal”, the root of the problem is that
employers can manipulate labor inspectors to rule in their favor thus
nullifying the purpose of having inspectors. As conditions worsen in Central America, more will look to the North as a place
to better their lives and the lives of their children.

"Actually, they treat us like animals"

March 16, 2007

The discussion of how free trade agreements (FTA) do little to protect
labor rights is especially timely as Congress is debating FTAs with
Peru, Colombia and Panama.  The main sticking point has been labor
provisions in the proposed agreements.  Many Democrats say they won't
agree to the FTAs until language is included which requires countries
to enforce internationally accepted core labor standards and improve
their labor rights conditions.

Pages

Search form