The Government oF Manitoba is the first Canadian province to adopt the No Sweat purchasing policy for its apparel suppliers. The November decision means suppliers will have to meet minimum labour standards in the production of bulk purchased apparel products.
“This is a major step forward toward protecting the most vulnerable workers who produce apparel around the world,” said Kevin Thomas, a spokesperson for the Ethical Trading Action Group. KAIROS: Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives, which is supported by the Presbyterian Church, is a member of the group.
The new rules will help ensure items are manufactured in compliance with local laws and a set of minimum labour standards including no forced labour, no child labour, freedom of association, health and safety, no employment discrimination and adherence to employment standards such as wages, compensation and hours of work. On average, the province spends between $1.3- and $1.6-million annually on clothing and apparel.
– AM with files from the Government of Manitoba, Maquila Solidarity Network and the Ethical Trading Action Group.
