Toy campaign relaunched on 10th anniversary of tragic factory fire
18 Nov 2003
Trocaire the Irish Catholic Agency for World Development, and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) have re-launched their successful Irish Toy Campaign today, Wednesday 19th November, on the 10th anniversary of the tragic Zhili toy factory fire in China.
Between 1996 and 2000 Trocaire and ICTU joined an international campaign for workers' rights in the toy industry, to form the Irish Toy Campaign. This was after a toy factory in Zhili in southern China was the scene of a fire, in which 87 workers were killed. The appalling death figures in the fire were caused by unsafe working practices as well as blocked exits and locked windows.
The Campaign continues to call on consumers to demand fair play for toy workers by sending campaign postcards to both the industry and government. Some successes have been achieved, such as Codes of Conduct being adopted by some of the large multinational companies involved in the toy industry.
Trócaire Campaigns Officer, Lara Kelly stated: "Both Trocaire and ICTU believe that more change is required if toy workers are to gain basic rights and fair working conditions. Many Codes of Conduct have still not been implemented and often do not include reference to people's fundamental rights at work /they are ignored completely.
ICTU's Development Education Officer, David Joyce said: "Both ICTU and Trocaire feel the Irish Toy Campaign should be relaunched, especially today on the 10th anniversary of the fire in Zhili where the appalling conditions lead to the death of 87 people. We are marking this tragedy by renewing our efforts in the fight for fair treatment for toy workers everywhere. It is important to remember that Workers rights are Human Rights"
Many toys are made in Asian factories which produce for multinational companies based in Europe or the United States. Conditions in these factories are often appalling. While some improvements have been made, more needs to be done to ensure people's rights are respected throughout the industry.
Trocaire and ICTU are calling for people's support to send the campaign postcards to the industry and to government so that both can work towards a sustainable solution. We are not asking for a boycott, but rather that people use their consumer power to demand fair treatment for toy workers.
Contact Trocaire and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions for more information and campaign materials.
Visit our websites:
END