Our special guest for this episode of Organising For A Change, is No Sweat convenor Jay Kerr.  He reminds us that when NS set up shop nearly 30 years ago, “sweatshop” was a term little understood. Changing perceptions and understanding is just one of the many achievements of Jay and his colleagues.  Our discussion dives deep into the politics and practicalities of consumer boycotts, how to give meaning and life to international trade union solidarity, and what this can contribute to union building at home.  The key takeaway –   we  can all make a difference as individuals and as part of the union movement. 

Listen now at bit.ly/o4ac

In our discussion, we cover a lot of ground, so some signposting is appropriate:

• The Steve Coogan satire on making millions in retail, is Greed, released in 2019, reviewed here.

• Theresa May’s key legal regulation related to supply chains is Section 54 of the Modern Slavery Act 20c15, known as the “Transparency in Supply Chains” (TISC) provision. This was introduced when she was Home Secretary and continued to be a major focus during her time as Prime Minister and guidance was most recently published this year.

• MSI Integrity’s primary report is titled Not Fit-for-Purpose: The Grand Experiment of Multi-Stakeholder Initiatives in Corporate Accountability, Human Rights and Global Governance,  was published in July 2020.  This concluded that the industry’s self-regulatory regime was failing.

• The Clean Clothes campaign is at cleanclothes.org

• Coca-Cola faced accusations of complicity in union-busting in Colombia, The controversy led to a boycott of Coca-Cola products in 2003, and legal challenges were filed against the company in U.S. courts (click for details)

• The Rana Plaza tragedy took place on 24 April 2013

• And most importantly of all, No Sweat can be found at nosweat.org.uk (where you can also buy the coolest t-shirts in town).

Hear much more at bit.ly/o4ac

As ever, our discussion is calm, measured and derived from a combined 80 years of union activism.  Where we disagree, we do so amicably.  But there’s no getting away from the importance or relevance of this debate above all others.

We’re grateful to have the support of Thompsons, the leading trade union and social justice law firm, The General Federation of Trade Unions – delivering trade union education, building solidarity and the home of StrikeMap, Pellacraft, award winning and trusted supplier of promotional goods, and Battersea and Wandsworth Trade Union Council. Thank you all.

Listen now at bit.ly/o4ac