#CampaignUpdate November 2020
Awaiting meeting with Electronics watch and People and Planet to take next steps for the campaign.
#CampaignUpdate October 2020
Meeting moved to early Nov with new P&P rep as predecessor left – She said “I just want to say a really big thank you for all of your (Chris Dow, Vice President) hard work on the SweatShop Free campaign over the past year. I think you're a really great campaigner and students at Leeds Trinity are lucky to have you watching out for them.".
#CampaignUpdate September 2020
Progress has skyrocketed as from last year’s campaign update where Chris Dow (Vice President) was in talks with NEUPC the purchasing consortium for the North Eastern Universities. After speaking with the Director of Electronics Watch and People & Planet rep the campaign has now moved from not just getting our university (Leeds Trinity) to affiliate but the whole North Eastern Region. Plans looking to take place in October to take this to next step.
What does Sweatshop Free mean?
Within the electronic industry, there are thousands of adults and children who work long hours in factories and get very little in return. Not only are the factories often damp, dusty and mouldy, but the workers are forced to stand while working for up to 16 hours a day. They get no sick pay, maternity pay or any other benefits which employers are required to give their staff. Children as young as 10 years old are found working in sweatshops for 7 days a week, getting paid the equivalent of around 32 cents per hour. In countries such as Bangladesh, the hourly rate decreases to approximately 13 cents per hour, even for experienced workers.These factories, which are often kept in terrible conditions, are known as sweatshops.
Sweatshop Free means that the brand is coercion-free, and offer fair compensation for the workers who manufacture their products. We support these Sweatshop Free brands!
Where we are at?
Chris Dow (VP) has been discussions with the University on ‘Sweatshop free’ as we want to ensure all electronic hardware is sourced responsibly. The Universities Leadership Team agree in the principle and now Chris (VP) has been tasked to look further into making Leeds Trinity Univeristy Sweat Shop Free!
The Sweatshop-free campaign has been moving along nicely, currently working with AKLC partners to enable this campaign to continue to move forward, Chris Dow (VP) has had two meetings with them and is looking forward to see ongoing changes as a result of his efforts.
Recently Chris has also met with People and Planet to give an update on his latest progress on Sweatshop Free Campaign and how Divestment was completed. People and Planet have been amazed by the work we have done and achieved in such a small space of time.
Chris has now been in contacted with Electronics Watch Director as P&P told them about Chris' work and he had asked to speak to Chris and offered support to the campaign.
The People and Planet campaign manager for 2019 said " I just want to say a really big thank you for all of your hard work on the SweatShop Free campaign over the past year. I think you're a really great campaigner and students at Leeds Trinity are lucky to have you watching out for them."
Update as of 23/10/2020
How Can I get involved?
A: Register your interest in this Campaign HERE.