What is a ‘No Sweat' policy?

We don't usually think of our public institutions as a source of 'consumer power', but they buy far more apparel than you do as an individual consumer. The buying power of your school, university, city or other public institution can help improve conditions in an industry where sweatshops are too often the norm.

That's why across Canada, campaigners are actively working to persuade their universities, school boards, municipal and provincial governments to adopt "No Sweat" ethical apparel purchasing policies. "No Sweat" policies set minimum labour standards that companies have to meet before these major public institutions will buy their products.

Around the world, garment workers are organizing in their workplaces and communities - in Latin America, Asia, Africa and even Canada - to improve working conditions and end sweatshop abuses. By using the market power of major public institutions to pressure apparel companies, a No Sweat policy can be a powerful tool to assist these workers in winning better working conditions and respect for their rights.

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