December 17, 2008 -- OLYMPIA CITY COUNCIL VOTES TO JOIN SWEATFREE CONSORTIUM
On December 16, 2008, the City Council of Olympia Washington, voted unanimously to join the State and Local Government Sweatfree Consortium [1]. The passing of this resolution will facilitate the implementation of a Sweatfree Resolution passed by the City Council in 2004 [1] establishing sweatfree purchasing for city products such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, and baseball caps.
The Sweatfree Campaign in Olympia was organized by the South Sound Clean Clothes Campaign (SSCCC). The Campaign is a coalition of Olympia, Tumwater, and Lacey students, union members, people of faith, and concerned citizens raising awareness about the sweatshop industry, and challenging individuals as well as public and private institutions to create positive change by altering their purchasing practices. Since 2000, SSCCC has been active in organizing numerous events such as an annual sweatshop film festival, press conferences, informational meetings and events. SSCCC will continue to work closely with the City Council as an information resource and to assist in guiding the Council as they work with the Consortium.
December 17, 2008 -- ASHLAND PASSES SWEATFREE RESOLUTION
Last night, the city of Ashland, Oregon, unanimously passed a Sweatfree Resolution. Ashland is home to 20,000 people and spends approximately $80,000 on apparel and public employee uniforms per year.
The resolution states, "The City does not wish to purchase goods and services that depend on sweatshop conditions that deprive people of their legal rights and dignity ... The City shall support the creation of the State and Local Government Sweatfree Consortium [1] to collaborate with other public agencies to share information and cost of independent monitoring of working conditions in supplier factories. The City intends to become a member of this Consortium after it is created."
City staff will have the next six months to develop a sweatfree procurement policy.
The Sweatfree Ashland campaign was organized and led by Southern Oregon Jobs with Justice. More... [2]
October 24, 2008 -- PORTLAND ADOPTS LANDMARK SWEATFREE POLICY
Last week Portland, Oregon, adopted an ordinance [3] that requires the city to apply sweatshop-free sourcing practices when buying public employee uniforms and other apparel. A grassroots campaign in Portland, endorsed by 45 organizations [4], made the victory possible. The initial victory came a year ago when the campaign won a resolution, providing start-up funding for the State and Local Government Sweatfree Consortium and establishing a city committee that was given a year to draft policy language. The ordinance [3], approved unanimously by City Council on October 15, 2008, is one of the strongest in the country, and the campaign is already making plans to duplicate this victory in other cities in the Pacific Northwest.
News round-up:
Portland Business Journal [5]
Rogue Valley Independent Media Center [6]
Oregon Public Broadcasting [7]
Oregonian [8] (1st article)
Oregonian [9] (2nd article)
KBOO radio [10]
More info about the campaign >> [11]
September 16, 2008 -- NY STATE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR TO GOV. PATERSON: STATE NEEDS BETTER TOOLS TO ENSURE SWEATFREE PURCHASING - CONSIDER JOINING THE SWEATFREE CONSORTIUM
The New York State Department of Labor (NYS DOL) has released a report on the impact of its recently expired sweatfree legislation, the September Eleventh Bidders Registry and the Apparel Workers Fair Labor Conditions and Procurement Act. The NYS DOL finds that both pieces of legislation fell short of their objectives of providing sweatfree apparel to state public agencies and providing a competitive benefit to apparel manufacturers adversely impacted by the attacks on the World Trade Center. The report notes that the state does not have a mechanism to monitor the suppliers and verify working conditions. It cites Subsidizing Sweatshops [12] as evidence that government purchasing can inadvertently increase the downward pressure on labor rights, wages, and working conditions, and undermine U.S. manufacturing and service jobs. It suggests two options for the state: "establish a New York State 'sweatfree' procurement policy and code of conduct" and "join with a growing number of like-minded state and local governments to form a Consortium to maximize and better focus resources on this problem." Read more: NYS DOL letter [13] to Governor Patterson and the full report [14].
July 25, 2008 -- PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH PASSES SWEATFREE OVERTURE
A "Sweatfree Overture" passed with overwhelming support at the Presbyterian Church USA's General Assembly meeting in June. In the Overture, the Presbyterian Church USA endorsed the formation of the State and Local Government Sweatfree Consortium. The Church will "encourage congregations and presbyteries to actively lobby their respective state and local governments to join the Sweatfree Consortium." Click here [15] to read the overture.
June 3, 2008 -- LUCAS COUNTY, OHIO PASSES STRONG ANTI-SWEATSHOP POLICY
Lucas County (where Toledo is located) today committed to join the State and Local Government Sweatfree Consortium when county commissioners unanimously passed an excellent sweatfree policy. Labor unions, religious organizations and other community groups rallied yesterday in support of the policy. Check out the great press coverage here [16].
May 19, 2008 -- LOS ANGELES CONCERNED ABOUT ROCKY BRANDS
Click here [17] to read the letter from the City of Los Angeles to Galls Inc. regarding Rocky Brands, a label sold by Galls to the City of Los Angeles. The letter expresses concern about labor rights violations in a Rocky Brands factory.
April 10, 2008 -- VERMONT SENATE AND HOUSE SEND SWEATFREE BILL TO GOVERNOR
Yesterday the Vermont House passed the final version of the bill, which had been slightly amended in Senate committee. SweatFree Communities and Child Labor Education and Action support the amendment.
We expect Governor Douglas to sign the bill into law next week, making Vermont the seventh sweatfree state. To track the bill, go here [18] and enter H.338.
This is the bill as passed by the House and Senate. [19]
April 4, 2008 -- VERMONT SWEATFREE BILL PASSES SENATE
Today the sweatfree purchasing bill passed the Senate in the state of Vermont. In mid-March the bill passed the House. Sweatfree activists in Vermont expect Governor Douglas to sign it into law this month.
Soon Vermont will be the seventh sweatfree state in the U.S.!
March 28, 2008, MARYLAND SWEATFREE BILL POSTPONED; ACTIVISTS AIM TO WIN STRONG LAW IN 2009
As the Maryland sweatfree purchasing bill was unable to make a committee deadline with sufficient legislative support, it was withdrawn. Maryland activists plan to keep up their educational work with legislators and pass a strong sweatfree law in 2009.
Here's an excerpt from a letter by Charly Carter, UNITE HERE Mid-Atlantic Regional Political Director to co-sponsoring legislators:
When we first introduced this bill, we were told not to expect much during the first session; that the issue was complicated, and that it might take as long as 3 years to pass such a sweeping bill. Instead, we found a broad base of support from leaders like you who understood immediately that HB 290 was more than just a procurement bill, but that it addressed serious civil and human rights abuses to which the State is an unwitting accomplice.
The support we found for HB 290 exceeded any of the expectations set for it this year, even some of our own. Before the bill was withdrawn, HB had won 13 strong supporters on the House and Government Operations Committee and another 30 delegates from other committees. In addition, the bill received very positive feedback from the Women's Legislative Caucus and members of the New Immigrant Caucus. I strongly believe that if we continue to reach out to legislators over the interim, we will pass a Sweatfree law in Maryland in 2009.
March 14, 2008 -- FIRST OFFICIAL INVESTIGATION OF WORKING CONDITIONS IN FACTORY PRODUCING FOR U.S. CITIES
The first official full-scale investigation of working conditions in a factory producing for U.S. cities has resulted in remarkable improvements for workers and a more humane working environment. Yet, significant challenges remain, including the low albeit legal wages paid to workers, trapping them in a life of abject poverty.
Continue reading... [20]
March 14, 2008 -- VERMONT HOUSE PASSES SWEATFREE BILL; NEXT STEP IS SENATE
Photo: Liana Foxvog. CLEA celebrates at Statehouse.
Today the Vermont House of Representatives passed the sweatfree procurement bill, H.338, with no opposition.
Yesterday members of Child Labor Education and Action (CLEA), a student organization at Brattleboro Union High School took a field trip to the Statehouse to show support for the bill during its second reading on the House floor.
Now the bill moves to the Senate Committee on Government Operations, from which it should move directly to the Senate floor.
The CLEA students hope the bill will be signed into law by the end of the spring legislative session.
***
To track the bill, go here [18] and enter H.338.
Today's Brattleboro Reformer: 'Wheels' of Democracy [21]
CLEA students may be contacted at buhs.clea[at]gmail[dot]com.
March 11, 2008 -- SWEATFREE BILL PASSES FIRST COMMITTEE IN VERMONT
Today the Vermont Committee on Government Operations passed House Bill H.338, "An Act Relating to a State Purchasing Code of Conduct".
Students at Brattleboro Union High School in Brattleboro, Vermont, have been organizing for this sweatfree procurement bill since last year's legislative session. The bill states that Vermont "shall coordinate with other jurisdictions ... to develop an effective strategy to monitor vendor compliance". Student activists hope this means that Vermont will be one of the founding members of the State and Local Government Sweatfree Consortium [1].
To track the bill, go here [18] and enter H.338.
February 12, 2008 -- SWEATFREE BILL PASSES FIRST COMMITTEE IN HAWAII
A state senate committee has recommended passage of a strong sweatfree bill. Many hurdles remain. If you live in Hawaii or know people in Hawaii who can express their support, please let us know [22].
February 6, 2008 -- STRONG SUPPORT EXPRESSED FOR SWEATFREE MARYLAND 
Today the Maryland House Health and Government Operations Committee held a hearing concerning SweatFree MD House Bill 290 [23]. There were nine speakers in favor of the bill: Delegate Joanne Benson (sponsor of bill), Fred Mason (President of MD State AFL-CIO), James Parks (Presbytery of Baltimore), Bama Athreya (International Labor Rights Forum), Ernie Grecco (President of Metro Baltimore Central Labor Council), Sue Estie, (Political Director of AFSCME MD), Linda Blake (small business owner), Matthew Weinstein (Progressive Maryland), and Charly Carter (UNITE HERE). There is momentum in Maryland and this hearing is just the beginning.
Maryland Delegates need to hear your voice. If you live in Maryland: Click here to send them an email in favor of the SweatFree MD House Bill 290. [24]
Written testimony available online:
Bama Athreya, International Labor Rights Forum [25]
James Parks, Chair, Peace and Justice Committee, Presbytery of Baltimore [26]
Eric Dirnbach, UNITE HERE [27]
February 4, 2008 -- HAWAII SENATE COMMITTEE HOLDS A HEARING ON PROPOSED SWEATFREE PROCUREMENT LAW
Last week, on January 29, the Hawaii State Senate's Committee on Tourism and Government Operations held a public hearing on the sweatfree procurement bill.
The Department of Accounting and General Services (DAGS) opposed the bill stating that the State of Hawaii does not have jurisdiction over foreign manufacturers of apparel.
It bears clarification that the bill - like all sweatfree procurement policies - treats the State of Hawaii as a consumer not as a regulator. Therefore, DAGS need not be concerned.
Read the testimony [28], including that of SweatFree Communities, UNITE HERE, and DAGS.
The bill will be considered further in committee tomorrow.
To follow the bill, go to the state legislature website and search for SB2409 and HB2442.
January 30, 2008 -- TRAVIS COUNTY ADOPTS RESOLUTION ON PROCUREMENT
Several months' of work paid off Tuesday as Travis County Commissioners voted to enact purchasing policies [29] to prevent the county from buying garments from factories that break U.S. labor laws and violate human rights.
The initiative was led by the Travis County Sweatfree Coalition, endorsed by 25 organizations and 25 faith leaders.
Members of the Travis County Sweatfree Coalition spoke during the meeting about how they look forward to working with the commissioners and the purchasing director on establishing sweatfree purchasing rules and having the county join a monitoring consortium with other public entities. The full transcript and video of the hearing is here. [30]
January 30, 2008 -- MARYLAND SWEATFREE SAYS NO TO SWEATSHOPS
Maryland SweatFree [31] has kicked the New Year into high gear. A bill [32] has been drafted and is making its way through the legislative process. The state of Maryland spends between $4.6 to $9.6 million each year on apparel (we're still doing research to determine which figure is more accurate). The campaign has been lead by UNITE HERE, Presbytery of Baltimore and the
International Labor Rights Forum. The goal of the campaign is for the state of Maryland to join the State and Local government SweatFree Consortium as well as build a movement of people in Maryland including unions, faith based, and progressive that want to improve their states purchasing policies.
January 30, 2008 -- SAN FRANCISCO AMENDS SWEATFREE ORDINANCE
San Francisco's recent amendments to the city's sweatfree procurement ordinance are now available on our website. Click here [33] to download the amendments.
Most significantly, these amendments provide a process by which the city will be required to contract with the most compliant vendor in the case where none of the bidding vendors is fully compliant. The new ordinance also sets a process by which such vendors will work toward full compliance during the course of their contract with the city.
SweatFree Communities has updated our model sweatfree procurement policy [34] to incorporate learnings from San Francisco.
San Francisco is currently in process of creating compliance criteria. Once these criteria are in place, they will be available on this site.
January 26, 2008 -- PRESBYTERY OF BALTIMORE ADOPTS SWEATFREE OVERTURE
On Thursday, the Presbytery of Baltimore adopted a Overture in an overwhelming vote in support. The Overture dedicates Baltimore Presbytery's legislative resources toward passage of the sweatfree procurement law in the State of Maryland.
Contact the Maryland Sweatfree Campaign. [31]
January 26, 2008 -- HEARING NEXT TUESDAY ON SWEATFREE PROCUREMENT BILL IN HAWAII
State representative Roy Takumi has introduced a sweatfree procurement bill in Hawaii. The bill [35] includes membership in the State and Local Government Sweatfree Consortium and formation of an sweatfree procurement advisory group. The Senate will be holding a public hearing next Tuesday related to procurement.
If you know people in Hawaii who would like to help build a community campaign in support of this legislation, please contact us [36] soon.
January 25, 2008 -- TRAVIS COUNTY, TEXAS, CONSIDERS RESOLUTION ON PROCUREMENT
Next Tuesday, Travis County Commissioners Court will consider a resolution on procurement. The resolution states that the County Commissioners are "appalled by manufacturing conditions that allow long hours, hazardous conditions and the use of hazardous chemicals and other toxic materials to exist without proper protection for the employees of the companies which make the products; [and] Travis County supports the fair treatment of workers." It goes on to speak to the values of no child labor, increased payment for overtime, safe and healthy working conditions, and prohibitions of discrimination and harassment.
The resolution concludes: "Travis County Commissioners Court directs its staff and encourages its elected officials to consider, to the fullest extent of the law, these values in making purchases for the operations of the various county offices, and requests that the Purchasing Office include all appropriate requests for information in the solicitation distributed to vendors of apparel to allow Travis County to exercise the fullest scope of its authority in this regard in its Purchasing process."
Austin, Texas, which adopted a sweatfree procurement ordinance [37] in June 2007 is located in Travis County.
Austin Sweatfree Coalition members will congratulate the Commissioners on this step and at the same time state that they intend to make sure that concrete steps will be taken to implement sweat-free purchasing practices. Your presence in the court on Tuesday morning as a supporter of the Travis County Sweatfree campaign will demonstrate that there is public interest in ensuring that tax money does not go to purchase garments made in sweatshops. Meet at the AFL-CIO building (11th St. & Lavaca) at 8:30am. At 8:50am we will walk over to the County Commissioners' Court (11th St. between Lavaca and Guadalupe). The Court opens at 9:00am.
January 7, 2008 --SWEATFREE COMMUNITIES GROWS: NEW ORGANIZER TO FOCUS ON SWEATFREE CONSORTIUM CAMPAIGN
We are happy to announce that Victoria Kaplan has joined us as Midwest Regional Organizer. Ms. Kaplan will focus her work on the formation of the State and Local Government Sweatfree Consortium [1], a consortium of government entities that will work to end public purchasing from sweatshops.
"The anti-sweatshop movement was where I first became inspired to work for social justice," said Ms. Kaplan. "I'm excited to join SweatFree Communities now to help build the grassroots power to ensure that our tax dollars aren't spent on goods made in sweatshops."
Read on... [38]