SDLP YOUTH WELCOME MOVE ON CHILD LABOUR

international | worker & community struggles and protests | press release Wednesday January 16, 2008 17:30 by Liam McNulty - SDLP Youth

The SDLP Youth's Liam McNulty has welcomed Tesco's decision to discontinue the use of Uzbek cotton in their products.

"The Uzbek cotton industry is notorious for its use of forced child labour and we echo the comments of the Environmental Justice Foundation in calling the boycott of the cotton a 'breakthrough decision'.

"Of equal importance is the decision by the company to implement a system of checks on the sources of the materials used in their products. It is clear that if Tesco can do this then it is also possible for other companies to follow suit. This means simply that ignorance is no longer an excuse. We would call on other retailers such as ASDA, Matalan, Burtons and Top Man to follow Tesco's example.

"Ethical trading is a matter of great importance and SDLP Youth has recently launched a 'Think Before You Buy' campaign to raise awareness of the issue. Our members are also involved in the Clean Clothes Campaign, supporting garment workers' rights around the globe."