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Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
For more information call: 202-219-8211.
Consumer and labor groups announced today they will build
a national coalition to distribute information to consumers on efforts to
eliminate U.S. sweatshops.
A founders group of organizations led by the National
Consumers League said its goal would be to build a network of groups
representing millions of consumers. That network would be supplied with the
Trendsetters list, a compilation of national manufacturers and retailers
helping to eradicate sweatshops. Labor Secretary Robert B. Reich will recognize
the companies Dec. 5.
"We know from our efforts to encourage the industry to
help us end garment worker exploitation that this is an important issue for
consumers," Reich said. "These groups can help educate millions of consumers
who can then send a message about how the industry should be dealing with this
long-standing problem."
Founding groups of the coalition include the National
Consumers League, National Council of La Raza, UNITE, Jewish Labor Committee
and the National Association of Consumer Agency Administrators.
The government shutdown forced Reich to postpone the
announcement of the Trendsetters list. He had planned to make the announcement
on Nov. 24.
"I believe that consumers will reward the national chains
that are doing their very best to attack this problem," Reich said. "Stores and
brands that are trying innovative, creative and aggressive approaches to
prevent exploitation deserve the support of holiday shoppers."
Linda Golodner, president of the National Consumers
League, said her group would be reaching out to groups representing seniors,
religious groups, women, labor unions and consumer advocates.
"When consumers do their holiday shopping, they should ask
retailers and check their lists -- check them twice," Golodner said.
She released at today's news briefing a list of questions
consumers should ask retailers about how actively they oversee the conditions
under which their clothing is manufactured. Some of the recommended questions
are:
- Does the company monitor its contractors and manufacturers to ensure
workers are being paid the legal minimum wage and overtime?
- Does the company educate workers, contractors, subcontractors and
others about fair labor standards and the importance of compliance.
- Does the company know the labor law compliance history of each of its
vendors?
A poll recently released by Marymount University in
Arlington, Va., is an indicator of consumer interest in the issue. More than
1,000 consumers responded to questions posed by ICR Survey Research Group of
Media, Pa.
According to the Marymount University poll of
consumers:
- 84 percent said they would pay an extra $1 on a $20 garment that was
guaranteed to be made in a legitimate shop.
- 66 percent said they would be more likely to patronize retailers that
they know are cooperating with the labor department in efforts to eradicate
U.S. sweatshops.
- 69 percent said they would use the labor department list when
deciding where to shop during the holiday season.
- 78 percent said they would avoid retailers if aware they sold
garments made in sweatshops.
As another indication of consumer interest in the issue,
Reich said he has received hundreds of calls and telegrams from consumers asked
to call the department by Working Assets, an non-profit corporation. The
company encouraged its 300,000 credit card and long distance customers to call
the Secretary to voice their support for his efforts to crackdown on U.S.
sweatshops.
"We're receiving about 500 telegrams and calls a day from
consumers notified by Working Assets," Reich said. "The responses we have
received are another indication of the strong interest consumers have in seeing
the industry take a more active role in policing labor law compliance."
Archived News Release--Caution:
information may be out of date.
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