Sweatshop Protest in Toledo

Tuesday, June 3, 2008 | Toledo Blade

About 25 people show their support outside Government Center for an anti-sweatshop resolution to be considered today by Lucas County commissioners. The resolution would require county contractors to certify that they are not using sweatshop labor. The county spent about $40,000 in the last five years on uniforms and other clothing for prisoners, some of which is suspected to have come from sweatshops, Commissioner Ben Konop said. Mr. Konop, who plans to introduce the resolution, said he believes the policy will show a respect for workers’ rights. Commissioners Tina Skeldon Wozniak and Pete Gerken have said they support the policy. Speaking at the rally yesterday were representatives of antisweatshop, religious, and labor groups.