Number 25 - May 2008

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This edition of the CCC’s international newsletter was going to press in the midst of the Play Fair 2008 campaign – a busy and inspiring time, as many CCC activists were working on a range of activities to mobilise the public behind the campaign’s demands.

What are we hoping to accomplish with all these Play Fair online actions, in-store demos and research reports? Our aim is to pressure sportswear and athletic footwear companies, the International Olympics Committee (IOC) and its organising committees (OCOGs), the National Olympic Committees (NOCs), and national governments into taking concrete steps to eliminate violations of workers’ rights in sportswear and Olympic supply chains.

In its research reports Play Fair 2008 has documented serious violations of basic labour standards by several Chinese factories supplying goods under license for the Beijing Olympics. Play Fair 2008 has also reported on the serious problems facing workers at factories supplying the world’s largest sportswear brands. While some positive steps have been taken by a few within the industry, working conditions remain deplorable for the majority of the workers in these sectors.

Workers still lack a living wage and are living in poverty. Contempt for freedom of association means their voices are silenced when they speak out to demand improvements.

There is a lot of work to be done and Play Fair 2008 is spreading the word that the time for action is NOW! For those who aren’t already involved – we urge you to visit the Play Fair website (www.playfair2008.org) and join the latest online actions targeting the IOC and sportswear industry leaders.