College Students in US Standing Up for Fair Trade

College Students in US Standing Up for Fair Trade

Sunday 01st of July 2007 10:55:56 PM

College Students in US Standing Up for Fair Trade

For most students, buying college Sweatshirts is a way to remember the good times they had while in college. But some college students are boycotting the sale of these items because of unfair working conditions and wages earned by those who manufacture the shirts. "Basically, students have a unique power in that they are members of the university community. They have this unique link to try and make an impact on factory conditions," said Rod Palmquist, a University of Washington student who wants to see Fair Trade laws upheld.

Because many companies hold licenses to produce clothing bearing college or university names, boycotting the clothing can have an impact on whether these companies will be able to renew their licenses. While companies like Nike or Adidas are not likely to suffer, smaller companies that rely on the money earned from the sale of Sweatshirts and other clothing, may need to change their operations.

"We're just not convinced that all of the right questions have been asked and answered. Even the Fair Labor Association based in Washington, D.C. is skeptical that brands could realistically adhere to a long-term plan, since market demands often fluctuate," said Nike spokeswoman Erin Dobson, about changes that could be made in the manufacturing process.

In an effort to convince companies that their intentions are real, students from the University of Washington and Seattle University recently boycotted local department stores that carried clothing promoting the universities. Other students from colleges across the US have staged similar boycotts. "It's so simple. It's right there in front of you. It's the clothes you wear, it's the appliances you use. It's everything you buy," said SU student Sean O'Neill, about the social injustice that takes place all over the world.

(c)andre luiz geronymo, www.sxc.hu

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