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Race is on for an ethical London Olympics

Playfair 2012 has launched a campaign for an ethical London Olympic Games. The coalition, co-ordinated by the TUC and Labour Behind the Label (LBL) and which involves unions and other campaigning organisations, wants the organisers of the London Olympics to ensure that workers making sportswear for the 2012 Games won't be working in appalling and degrading conditions. A new campaign website sets out the standards the coalition expects from the London 2012 organisers, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and sportswear brands, and explains how individuals can get involved in the campaign. Millions of people are employed in the global supply chains that produce kits for Olympic teams, and the sportswear and souvenirs available on our high streets. Playfair has unearthed evidence showing that the sportswear industry and Olympic movement have a poor track record on workers' rights. TUC general secretary Brendan Barber said: 'Delivering a legacy for London was at the heart of the government's successful Olympic bid. And what better legacy than a commitment to end the exploitation and abuse involved in the sportswear and athletic footwear industries? We want London 2012 to raise the bar on worker's rights throughout Olympic supply chains.' Playfair 2012 is part of the global Playfair 2008 campaign involving three international federations, the International Textile Garment and Leather Workers Federation (ITGLWF), International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) and Clean Clothes Campaign.

TUC news release. Playfair 2012. Playfair 2008 clearing the hurdles website.

Briefing document (300 words) issued 5 Mar 2010