Maryland Sweatfree Campaign
Latest Campaign News 
March 28, 2008: MARYLAND SWEATFREE BILL POSTPONED TIL NEXT SESSION; CAMPAIGN KEEPS UP EDUCATIONAL WORK
As the Maryland sweatfree purchasing bill was unable to make a committee deadline with sufficient legislative support, it was withdrawn. Maryland activists plan to keep up their educational work with legislators and pass a strong sweatfree law in 2009.
Here's an excerpt from a letter by Charly Carter, UNITE HERE Mid-Atlantic Regional Political Director to co-sponsoring legislators:
When we first introduced this bill, we were told not to expect much during the first session; that the issue was complicated, and that it might take as long as 3 years to pass such a sweeping bill. Instead, we found a broad base of support from leaders like you who understood immediately that HB 290 was more than just a procurement bill, but that it addressed serious civil and human rights abuses to which the State is an unwitting accomplice.
The support we found for HB 290 exceeded any of the expectations set for it this year, even some of our own. Before the bill was withdrawn, HB had won 13 strong supporters on the House and Government Operations Committee and another 30 delegates from other committees. In addition, the bill received very positive feedback from the Women’s Legislative Caucus and members of the New Immigrant Caucus. I strongly believe that if we continue to reach out to legislators over the interim, we will pass a Sweatfree law in Maryland in 2009.
On February 6, 2008, the Maryland House Health and Government Operations Committee held a hearing concerning SweatFree MD House Bill 290. Nine people testified passionately and eloquently in favor of the bill.
Speakers in favor of the bill included Delegate Joanne Benson (sponsor of bill), Fred Mason (President of MD State AFL-CIO), James Parks (Presbytery of Baltimore), Bama Athreya (International Labor Rights Forum), Ernie Grecco (President of Metro Baltimore Central Labor Council), Sue Estie, (Political Director of AFSCME MD), Linda Blake (small business owner), Matthew Weinstein (Progressive Maryland), and Charly Carter (UNITE HERE). There is momentum in Maryland and this hearing is just the beginning.
Thanks to everyone who called or emailed their delegates. Many delegates mentioned that they had received a lot of emails on this bill. That makes a big difference.
Written testimony available online:
Bama Athreya, International Labor Rights Forum
James Park, Peace and Justice Committee, Presbytery of Baltimore
Eric Dirnbach, UNITE HERE
Campaign Overview
If Maryland is like other states, most of the apparel, textiles, and other products that it buys are made in sweatshops.
That's why we're organizing for a state law that will require our public spending to be sweatfree.
Help us make Maryland sweatfree! Through our collective effort, our state can ensure living wages and decent working conditions for those producing goods for us.
Take Action
If you live in Maryland:
1. Contact the Maryland House Committee on Health and Government Operations using this sample letter.
2. Send us a note to let us know that you took action.
3. Spread the word! Ask your friends to take action!
4. Endorse the campaign.
Resources
• The bill we aim to pass in Maryland
• The resolution we're asking Governor O'Malley to sign
• Information on the State and Local Government Sweatfree Consortium
• Flier about the campaign
• Sweatfree Toolkit
• Many more resources
Contact the Maryland Sweatfree Campaign
Get in touch with us to learn more and join the effort!
Trina Tocco
Campaigns Coordinator, International Labor Rights Forum
202-347-4100 x103
trina.tocco [at] ilrf [dot] org
Charly Carter
Mid Atlantic Regional Political Director
UNITE HERE!
(410) 659-2191
ccarter [at] unitehere [dot] org
