Chelmsford TUC

Our wider movement

Fairtrade & Make Poverty History

Child labour, workhouse conditions, no breaks in the working day, starvation wages.... these all disappeared with the Victorians. For most of us in the rich countries it did, but for one fifth of the world’s population the situation remains the same. They are at the mercy of unfair world trade where rich countries make the rules and the poor find it hard to compete.

Fairtrade gives power back to the producers and consumers. Producers get fair wages, good working conditions, help with the development of products and marketing: consumers can choose to make a difference by buying Fairtrade products whenever they can.

In 2002 Chelmsford TUC wrote to the Essex Weekly News and called for greater support for fair trade. This met sharp opposition from three individuals but we persisted with our campaign. In 2003 we linked up with Oxfam, and on 29 May we called for a meeting of all interested parties to turn Chelmsford in to a Fairtrade town. Twenty-five people representing fourteen local organisations attended the inaugural meeting of Chelmsford Fairtrade Action Group in Essex Record Office.

A Steering Group was established with faith groups, co-operators, trade unionists and community groups participating. Since then we have held several public meetings with hundreds attending. A local Fairtrade Directory was published and Chelmsford Fairtrade Town Campaign website was established. This contains a wealth of information and links to other Fairtrade groups in Essex.

Of major importance, and with all-party support, the Borough Council and Essex County Council have both passed a motion in support of Fairtrade, and several schools, churches, employers, individuals have given their backing to our campaign.

Then, on 15 December 2004, Malcolm Burgess, Chairman of the Campaign, and Malcolm Wallace representing the Trades Council, and Cllr. David Lee representing the Borough, signed the formal application for Fairtrade status. Chelmsford became a Fairtrade Town on 6 January 2005.

FAIRTRADE IN YOUR SCHOOL

The Fairtrade Foundation provides an excellent educational resource pack for schools. “Fairtrade in your School”. This enables pupils to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding necessary to play an effective role in society at national, local and international levels. It also provides suggestions for a School Fairtrade Campaign, provides teaching resources, hints for assemblies and worksheets. “Fairtrade in your School” also assists in providing knowledge about fairness, social justice, respect for democracy and diversity.

WHY BECOME A FAIRTRADE SCHOOL

  • Because Fairtrade guarantees a better deal for farmers and workers in the developing world.
  • Because this is your chance to make a real difference.
  • Because it’s FUN - and you will love it!

HOW DOES YOUR SCHOOL BECOME A FAIRTRADE SCHOOL?

  • Send in your application to be assessed.
  • Get your certificate and display it with pride!

The Co-operative Group has a special "Make your School Fairtrade Friendly" Pack and some excellent photographs which can be downloaded.

The Co-operative College has a section on its website which explores Fair trade in depth. It helps students to develop their understanding of Fair Trade values and social justice. To access the course go to www.school.coop..

Make Poverty History

Make Poverty History is a campaigning coalition of over 350 trade unions, charities, non-governmental organisations and faith bodies. Their objective is to commit the world’s leaders to trade justice, debt cancellation and more aid for the millions who suffer daily as a result of poverty, hunger, AIDS and exploitation. As a mark of their solidarity, trade unionists throughout the world are wearing Make Poverty History white bands. These can be ordered from TUC Publications, Congress House, Great Russell Street WC1B 3LS or telephone 020 7467 1294. The minimum order is five for £5.

  • Banana Link - For news of its work with banana worker trade unions in Latin America.
  • Epona Clothes: A sportswear label that you can wear with a clear conscience. They are not only stylish but of the highest quality.
  • Labour Behind the Label: draws attention to the plight of garment workers around the world, campaigns for the improvement of working conditions and calls on retailers to take responsibility for working conditions at all stages of production.


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