Swedish IF Metall Continues ‘Play Fair’ Campaign on Sporting Apparel

Just because the Olympic Games in China concluded does not mean that Swedish ICEM affiliate IF Metall is letting down its guard on “Play Fair,” the global labour campaign to ensure that workers' rights are adhered to in the production of sporting apparel.

The union has demanded that the Swedish Olympic Committee (SOK) place pressure on all its suppliers to assure products are made by workers employed under global labour standards. It also demands the SOK pressure the Lausanne, Switzerland-based International Olympic Committee to do the same.

The Swedish union stresses that too many workers, who produce the sporting goods and apparel worn by decorated athletes, endure long work days, low salaries, and extremely poor working conditions.

IF Metall President Stefan Löfven

IF Metall demands that all workers have decent work conditions and decent pay standards, and supports the ‘Play Fair’ campaign,” stated President Stefan Löfven.

IF Metall and the International Textile, Garment, and Leather Workers’ Union Federation (ITGLWF) has partnered to press apparel manufacturing companies to adhere to standards with their suppliers. IF Metall has launched a petition urging SOK to take a similar pledge. Readers are encouraged to join that petition here.