CLB whole heartedly endorses the Catch the Flame initiative launched today by Play Fair 2008.

Catch the Flame is a virtual torch relay supported by a global alliance of trade unions, non-governmental organizations, labour groups and concerned individuals, designed to draw attention to the maltreatment and exploitation of workers in the merchandise industry of the Olympic Games in Beijing (2008), Vancouver (Winter 2010) and London (2012).

Its aim is to pressure sportswear and athletic footwear companies, the IOC and national governments, into taking identifiable and concrete measures to eliminate the exploitation and abuse of workers in the global sporting goods industry.

CLB believes the most effective measure to eliminate labour rights violations in China would be to allow workers to form democratically elected and representative trade unions that do work to protect labour rights. Major brands in the sporting goods industry should not merely rely on auditors to ensure their supplier factories are in compliance with their codes of conduct but should encourage factory unions to ensure workers rights are protected and respected, and that employees can earn a decent wage under safe working conditions.

To sign on as a torch bearer and pass the torch on by SMS, Bluetooth or the internet, go to the Catch the Flame website.