Labor is Not a Commodity

Berkeley, CA says: Stop Firestone!

Tim Newman, Campaigns Assistant, International Labor Rights Forum

Last night (Tuesday, January 29), the city council of Berkeley, CA unanimously passed a resolution expressing solidarity with the workers on Firestone's rubber plantation in Liberia.  The resolution was based on a recommendation from the Berkeley Peace and Justice Commission which advises the city council on issues of social justice.  Berkeley became the first city to pass a resolution related to Firestone's exploitation in Liberia. 

Could your city be next?!  If you are interested in following Berkeley's lead and taking local action to support the workers in Liberia, contact Tim at tim.newman[at]ilrf.org.

Keep reading for reactions and to read the text of the resolution.

Firestone Strikes Back

Tim Newman, Campaigns Assistant, International Labor Rights Forum

As we've mentioned here before, Bridgestone is getting ready for a big advertising blitz during this year's Super Bowl.  They are the title sponsor of the halftime show (in 2008 AND 2009) and are also airing two commercials starring Richard Simmons and Alice Cooper.  They are even trying to capitalize on pre-game buzz by putting a "sneak peek" of their commercial online (you can check it out here -- and be sure to add comments about Bridgestone's abuses in Liberia)

The increased spotlight on Bridgestone has also raised questions about their rubber plantation in Liberia.  Dave Zirin, a great sports journalist, wrote a piece in the Los Angeles Times about Firestone's deal with the NFL (and exploitation of Liberia) and Firestone Natural Rubber Company CEO, Dan Adomitis, wrote a response with is usual PR spin.  Luckily, Zirin got a chance to respond too. 

Keep reading to read both pieces -- you can also read and comment at the LA Times website.

Fashioning an Ethical Industry

By Hannah Higginson, Joint Project Coordinator, Fashioning an Ethical Industry

Fashioning an Ethical Industry (FEI) is a unique education project that works directly with tutors and students on Higher and Further Education fashion related courses in the UK to give an overview of how the fashion industry can positively and negatively impact on working conditions in garment manufacture and to inspire students – as the next generation of industry players – to raise standards for garment workers in the fashion industry of the future. The projects activities include running student workshops, organising tutor training events, providing teaching resources and working with tutors to integrate ethical issues related to garment manufacture into their teaching.

Africans speak out concerning "Footloose Investors"

By Kira Topik, student at Pitzer College and ILRF intern

Two weeks ago ILRF had the pleasure of hosting three labor rights advocates from Kenya, Lesotho and South Africa. Steve Ouma Akoth, Matsepo Anna Lehlokoana and June Hartley spoke with students, media representatives, various companies and organizations and government officials about the impact of U.S. trade policy on workers in Sub-Saharan Africa during their visit.

The trip was linked with the release of a report by the Netherlands-based Center for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) titled “Footloose Investors”, and joined by SOMO representative Esther de Haan, as well.

Educating Apparel Industry Professionals

By Marsha Dickson, Fashion and Apparel Studies (University of Delaware)

It is clear that supporting workers’ rights needs to involve a wide variety of stakeholders, including those working for multinational companies.  In the apparel industry, the actions and decisions of buyers, designers, merchandisers, and sourcing professionals have often conflicted with efforts made by the human rights/labor compliance departments of the same companies.  My colleagues and I at the University of Delaware and two other institutions are working to educate those who will be, or already are, industry professionals in buying, design, merchandising, and sourcing, so that they know how their decisions impact workers and so that they become part of the solution to poor labor standards and working conditions versus part of the problem for workers.

Over the last few years my colleagues and I have done the groundwork necessary to develop a set of graduate level courses that address labor and environmental issues in the global supply chains for the apparel, textile, and footwear industries.  We have conducted research and interviews with industry leaders and professionals who lead nongovernmental organizations and civil society groups with a stake in the global apparel business.  The courses we have developed and started teaching in August 2007 provide a foundation of knowledge needed to manage international production and sourcing of apparel, textiles, and footwear in ways that are socially responsible and sustainable.

Victory at 3 Garment Factories

Trina Tocco, Campaigns Coordinator, International Labor Rights Forum

It's really been a different experience for me to identify factory success stories given how overwhelmed I often feel from all of the urgent actions I receive from unions and labor allied organizations around the world.  Since this is the week to talk about successes, I think the 3 following factory cases show that we have been able to make some progress.

Learn more about:

• Russell Athletics in Hondoras
• PCCS Garments in Cambodia
• Thai Garment Export in Thailand

The information in this blog came from documents published by the Worker Rights Consortium.

Success for Women Workers in South Africa

*This blog entry is part of our week-long response to the World Social Forum's Global Week of Action (January 21-26, 2008).  Our theme for all blog entries this week is: "Another World is Possible: International Labor Solidarity Success Stories."  If you would like to contribute, contact Tim at tim.newman[at]ilrf.org!*

By Ragini Malhotra, International Labor Rights Forum

REACH, an NGO in Athlone, South Africa, has been working since 2005, to expose sexual disparities and heighten the awareness of sexual harassment and violence against women in South Africa’s rural farm communities. Since its inception, the organization has been conducting research on factors contributing to sexual harassment and sexual violence on fruit farms and vineyards in South Africa’s Overberg region. Through fact finding workshops, REACH has been able to document the testimonies of women fruit farm workers, whose voices often go unheard.

Keep reading to find out about REACH's successes and an award for which they have been shortlisted!

Women, Labor and Leadership Curriculum Success

*This blog entry is part of our week-long response to the World Social Forum's Global Week of Action (January 21-26, 2008).  Our theme for all blog entries this week is: "Another World is Possible: International Labor Solidarity Success Stories."  If you would like to contribute, contact Tim at tim.newman[at]ilrf.org!*

By Cassandra Baker, Outreach Coordinator, STITCH

In 2007, STITCH complete our work on our Women Labor and Leadership Curriculum in Central America.  This curriculum is a series of trainings and workshops that address the need for union women to develop skills to combat the injustices in their lives.  The Women, Labor and Leadership Curriculum uses the best techniques from the popular education model that began with the participants experiences and ends with their commitment to new practices.  Our partners in Central America are enthusiastic about the changes in their lives and the plans for the future.  Keep reading for more information!

MLK and labor rights -- Support New Era Workers

Trina Tocco, Campaigns Coordinator, International Labor Rights Forum

Today as I sat in the National Cathedral in Washington, DC taking part in a great MLK cultural event, I learned something new.  The National Cathedral, a couple of miles from my home, was the last place of MLK's Sunday sermon before his tragic death.

I think that many readers of this blog know the clear connections to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and labor rights but just in case folks need a reminder, I figured I wouldn't let this day go by without a quick refresher. 

I think this connection is important because it is a strong example of the cross section between civil and labor rights and how it all is intertwined in the workplace.  Because of this connection, I urge you to support the struggle of New Era Cap workers in Mobile, Alabama who are fighting for their right to form a union so that labor rights and civil rights are realized in their workplace.  SEND AN EMAIL NOW!

Dannon Workers Unionize in OH with International Support

*This blog entry is part of our week-long response to the World Social Forum's Global Week of Action (January 21-26, 2008).  Our theme for all blog entries this week is: "Another World is Possible: International Labor Solidarity Success Stories."  If you would like to contribute, contact Tim at tim.newman[at]ilrf.org!*

By Paul Garver, former organizer with IUF

In December of 2007, workers at Danone's Minster, Ohio yogurt plant successfully unionized.

This success was assisted by international support from other unions representing Danone workers worldwide through the IUF. It presents an unusual case of an U.S. union using  grassroots organizing tactics together with a carefully pre-planned and coordinated demonstration of international union solidarity. This combination was able to deter the severe violations of worker rights that take place in most private sector organizing drives in the USA.  Keep reading for the full story!