Governments can help create a more fair and just economy in many ways.  One way, seldom considered, is simply being responsible and ethical consumers.  As big purchasers, governments on all levels can require that workers who make the products they buy enjoy decent working conditions and living wages. Many states and cities are doing so by joining the Sweatfree Purchasing Consortium, an innovative new collaboration to steer our tax dollars to companies doing the right thing by their workers.

Tim Newman, Campaigns Assistant, International Labor Rights Forum

I wrote a post today for the Change.org "End Human Trafficking" blog explaining why those concerned about trafficking and labor exploitation should support the Employee Free Choice Act (EFCA).  Check it out here.  Change.org is a great social networking website for those concerned about social issues and activism.  Check it out and considering signing up!

Additionally, let's remember that Mars' plan will not cover their entire supply chain until 2020 -- even though ILRF and many other organizations have been calling on Mars to commit to Fair Trade since 2001.  However, it is interesting to note that ILRF's report on the cocoa industry released last July called on chocolate companies to work with certification agencies like Rainforest Alliance to strengthen labor standards.  We hope that Rainforest Alliance will strengthen their labor rights standards and monitoring.  You can check out a press release from ILRF and the Organic Consumers Association

While many businesses and corporations are busy waging anti-EFCA campaigns, it is important to recognize the businesses that are standing up for workers rights and supporting EFCA.  Over the last few weeks I’ve spent time talking with business owners that are featured in the Shop with a Conscience Consumer Guide about whether or not they support the Employee Free Choice Act.