Urge the U.S. Olympic Committee to PLAY FAIR!

Posted August 9, 2004
information for this alert comes from Oxfam America and the AFL-CIO

This week, a historic bill was introduced in Congress, sponsored by Representatives Schakowsky (D-IL) and Miller (D-CA). The bill, H.R. 4988, "Play Fair at the Olympics Act," requires that companies which are contracted by the U.S. Olympic Committee observe international labor rights standards, which include freedom of association and the right to bargain collectively as well as the elimination of child labor and discrimination in the workplace.

This is a major step forward on the U.S. front of the international Play Fair at the Olympics Campaign. Ensuring that a world-wide event such as the Olympics promote the standards by which all workers are protected strengthens our struggle to internationally enforce those rights. As Representative Miller stated, "Our bill says that no matter where products with the U.S. Olympic logo are made, the fundamental human rights of the workers making those products must be respected. Just as we expect fair play from our Olympic athletes, the Olympic gear our athletes use should be made under fair conditions."

In order to promote support for this bill, it is key to get the U.S. Olympic Committee on board. With their collaboration, this can be a milestone for workers' rights. All you need to do is go to www.PlaybytheRules.org, and sign the petition from Oxfam America to Peter Ueberroth, the Chairman of the U.S. Olympic Committee. The letter petition also asks Mr. Ueberroth to bring this issue to the attention of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), which will be the next step in this important campaign!

Fair Play, Fair Work!