Also, today marks the release of a telling report by SweatFree Communities called Subsidizing Sweatshops II which documents severe violations of labor law and human rights in nearly all factories investigated. Located in China, Honduras, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and United States, these sweatshops produce apparel for nine major uniform brands, including Armor Holdings / BAE, Cintas Corporation, Eagle Industries, Elbeco, Fechheimer Brothers Company, Lion Apparel, Propper International, Rocky Brands, and Williamson-Dickie Manufacturing.  In light of these findings, SweatFree Communities asks companies to improve conditions in the facilities and assess the impact of their prices, delivery schedules, and supply chain relationships on factories’ ability to comply with codes of conduct and labor rights standards. In addition, SweatFree Communities urges governments to maintain contracts with companies working to remedy violations and to join the Sweatfree Purchasing Consortium.

Noon brought with it a downpour of rain in downtown DC as ILRF staff gathered outside the US Department of Treasury, at 1500 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, with petitions for the passing public to sign. Despite the rain, the ILRF staff soldiered through and was able to get a number of signatures while handing out anti-sweatshops stickers for the petitioners to parade around town. Let us HOPE this adds to the awareness of sweatshops and puts an end to US government purchasing from these facilities.