Blog

My Wal-Mart story told to many in Oregon and Washington

February 25, 2007

On Feb 18, 2007, I left Orlando, FL  to join the International Labor
Rights Fund.  Feb 18th marked the first time I was ever on an
airplane.  I have had the pleasure of meeting Beatriz (Betty) Fuentes.
She comes from Colombia.  I have heard her story.  I have had the
chance to connect with Jayaram who comes from Bangalore, India.  I have
also heard his story.  You know its really an experience to be able to
speak out about Wal-Mart concerning how they treat their employees.  It
is also an honor to others speaking out against Wal-Mart.  I also
learned from others how Wal-Mart has affected their lives.  They showed
great courage by standing up against Wal-Mart.  I have seen a lot and

Edun: "Unions are more of an American structure"

February 15, 2007

After months of trying to get some answers out of the folks at Edun
about their Code of Conduct, conditions at the factories from which
they source and their position on workers' right to organize, we had
somewhat of a breakthrough today.  Check out the e-mail communication
below with Bridget Russo, the US press contact for Edun (the document
referred to is the vague FAQ page on Edun's website):

Lessons in nutrition, or lessons in exploitation?

February 5, 2007

See below to read Dole's announcement about its upcoming healthy food program:

Jan. 30, 2007

Dole Food
Company, Inc., today announced that it is partnering with national
organizations to launch a pilot program that will introduce innovative new
vending machines to schools featuring healthy food products. The new vending
machines will supply DOLE brand healthy foods such as fresh fruits and Fruit
Bowls(R), in conjunction with cafeteria-prepared salads, sandwich wraps and
milk, giving school children greater access to healthy and nutritious foods.
These machines utilize School Link Technology software.

Another World is Possible!

January 29, 2007

ILRF participated
in three panels throughout the 5 day event. The first panel was titled “The purchasing policies of Wal-Mart
and other Big Box Retailers and how workers are impacted” and was organized
with the Kenya Human Rights Commission and the Clean Clothes Campaign. In addition to panelists from these
organizations, the event also featured a worker from a textile union in Uganda which produces for Wal-Mart. The audience learned more about the sweatshop conditions at factories producing for Wal-Mart
and brainstormed ideas for an international day of action to hold this big box retailer responsible for its labor rights violations.

Nestle Still Doesn't Get It

January 18, 2007
We have repeatedly requested that Nestle take responsibility for
its cocoa supply chain in Ivory Coast and are still waiting for clarification on
what the company has done to take the few simple, basic steps that we and others
requested years ago.  These include:

*Provide transparency of your supply
chain.  The farmers know which multinationals are buying their cocoa- why, then,
is it so hard for the multinationals to identify which farmers are selling to
them?

*Create contracts with the farmers.  Nestle can be assured farmers
will do the right thing if the farmers can be assured that Nestle will honor its
arrangements with them.

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