[R-G] Play fair at the olympics: respect worker's rights

[usman x]

From Tom Sandborn
Maquila Solidarity Network

Embargoed to March 4th, 2004

MEDIA ADVISORY


PLAY FAIR  AT THE OLYMPICS: RESPECT WORKERS' RIGHTS
EVENT TO LAUNCH OF INTERNATIONAL CAMPAIGN MARCH 4


WHERE: South side of Vancouver Art Gallery, Robson and Hornby


WHEN: 12:30 pm March 4, 2004

WHAT: A local media event - “Washing Line: Clean Up Olympic Dirty Laundry".

To launch and support the international campaign-  Play Fair at the
Olympics: Respect Workers' Rights. This campaign, sponsored by Oxfam
international, Global Unions, the International Confederation of Free Trade
Unions and the Clean Clothes Campaign, as well as the Canadian Labour
Congress, The Ethical Trading Action Group, the Maquila Solidarity Network
and Oxfam Canada, is designed to draw attention to labour abuses in the
global supply chains that will supply upcoming Olympics with sportswear and
to call for reforms that will protect workers' right to organize and bargain
to improve their working conditions and respect for International Labour
Rights Standards.


WHY: The Olympics are organized by an international body that proclaims its
dedication to the highest ideals. The garment industry that supplies the
Olympics with gear is happy to bask in the reflected glory from Olympic
ideals. Both the IOC, the Canadian Olympics Committee and the apparel
industry need to take immediate steps to ensure that future Olympic events
are clean and that sportswear is not made under sweatshop conditions.

For more information or an embargoed copy of Oxfam’s Olympics Campaign
Report, please contact

Tom Sandborn – 604-224-1182				Miriam Palacios 604-736-7678
Maquila Solidarity Network					Oxfam Canada