Maybe you noticed we've been thinking a lot about the The Race to Fair Trade, especially with regard to worker representation in unions. We believe a union label must be a key component of any Fair Trade manufacturing certification – and right now it’s not...
It could just be the upcoming holiday, but we're a little creeped out!
What’s all the commotion?
A look at the World Fair Trade Organization’s Ten Standards of Fair Trade for organizations shows us unions are encouraged by Fair Trade, but not required. It’s awesome they come right out and say they expect organizations to "respect the right of all employees to form and join trade unions of their choice and to bargain collectively.”
However, this does not mean that Fair Trade products are automatically union made. Since the union label has been the platinum standard for slave-free products for decades, this concerns us (more on the details here).
Why does Ethix care enough to be spooked?
We know that our customers are committed to ending the year-round horror of sweatshop abuse. That’s why we feel it’s so important to bring attention to the strengths and weaknesses in current fair trade certifications. Maintaining rigorous standards across the movement is the only way to avoid “fair-washing” – false or misleading claims about working conditions in fair trade facilities.
How can I avoid the booby-traps?
As products become available as either Union or Fair Trade – especially for custom merchandise like apparel, drinkware, and other giveaway items – then we encourage you to support the highest worker rights standard: Look for the union label!
Though not as easily identified by a label, you can also look for products made by worker-owned companies, or "co-ops." These organizations fulfill our criteria for worker empowerment on par with unions.
And of course, first consider if you have to buy something at all, keeping in mind how consumption drives climate change...
For more questions, and our thoughts, click here.
What do you think? Are you as creeped as we are?
