Milwaukee Passes Sweat-Free Ordinance
Free Speech Radio News
Milwaukee, Wisconsin has become became the first US city to adopt a "Sweatshop-free" ordinance prohibiting the city government from purchasing any goods made in sweatshops. Molly Stentz reports from WORT in Madison.
The ordinance adopted in Milwaukee requires all companies which contract directly with the city for any goods or services to sign an affidavit proving their products are produced under fair labor conditions. While other, more limited ordinances have been passed by city governments around the country, they have only applied to apparel. Milwaukee Alderman Tony Zielinski introduced the ordinance: (audio) "The way my ordinance works is any purchases in excess $30,000 - irrespective of what it is - would be required to be purchased from a supplier or a producer that can demonstrate that those products were produced in a non-sweatshop environment." While the ordinance is the most extensive of its kind so far, Alderman Zielinski hopes that it is just the beginning of a movement toward city governments using their purchasing power to affect change. (audio) "Manufacturers companies are going overseas in droves to take advantage of exploited workers for economic gain so they can increase their bottom line, their profits. The more municipalities we get to pass this kind of legislation, the more impact we'll have on the market." The ordinance will take effect in 60 days. This is Molly Stentz, reporting from Madison, Wisconsin.
