Issues

ENVIRONMENT Climate Change Energy Efficiency Organic Produce Pesticide Use Fish Water

SOCIAL Fair Trade Social Audit Local Sourcing

ECONOMIC BSE Lessons Hormones Antibiotics Additives Internal Operations

ALL Hygiene Health & Nutrition Animal Welfare GM Debate

Fair trade differs from ethical trading in it focuses on improving trading relationships rather than labour practices. Fair Trade engages primarily with marginal producers, and aims to establish an alternative trading model - rather than trying to improve conventional international trading relationships.

Trouble Brewing in the Canteen: The Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) was the first union to endorce the Fairtrade Mark. But they are concerned that it is strange if they promote such coffee, when it is processed in non-union factories, when they have good union agreements with multinational companies. "Underpinning this dispute is a clash of cultures and tactics. The labour movement draws on a rich tradition of collective working-class action, whereas the fair-trade movement is more individualistic and middle class". New Statesman TU Guide 2006

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