Group protests oppressive conditions in global factories at state Capitol

July 1, 2008  Detroit Free Press

By Dawson Bell 

LANSING – Activists opposed to what they regard as oppressive working conditions in garment factories around the globe held a news conference at the state Capitol today to call on elected officials in Michigan to use their purchasing power to force improvements.

The SweatFree Michigan campaign, backed by labor, religious and student organizations, called on Gov. Jennifer Granholm to issue an executive order joining Michigan to other communities and states which have formed a coalition to monitor conditions in overseas factories. When substandard conditions are uncovered the coalition pressures vendors and manufacturers to make changes, said Victoria Kaplan, the Midwest regional organizer of the campaign.

Michigan and other public agencies across the state purchase many of the uniforms worn by police officers and firefighters, among others, from manufacturers who own factories where workers are mistreated, Kaplan said.

A Granholm spokeswoman had no immediate comment this morning. Spokeswoman Liz Boyd said she was unaware of the campaign and needed to consult with other administration officials before responding.

Kaplan said SweatFree Michigan is not calling for a boycott of foreign-made goods by state purchasers. The group supports domestic manufacturing, she said, but the reality of the global economy makes it difficult for government agencies to limit their purchases to U.S.-based suppliers only.