HOW TO FIND MADE-IN-AMERICA ITEMS
Put ‘union-made’ at the top of holiday shopping lists
It’s holiday season, and as you hit the stores to buy presents for your loved ones, it’s nearly impossible to avoid items that have “Made in China” stamped on them.
But you can still find great gifts and not have to check your pro-union values at the shopping center door. Plenty of quality items are still made in the United States at union companies and can be found at https://unionshop.aflcio.org/index.cfm.
By patronizing these manufacturers, you’re supporting organizations that believe high-quality items can be made without sacrificing workers’ health and safety, job security or the environment.
Making that statement seems more important than ever with the latest reports on what really goes on in factories where much of what U.S. consumers buy is produced.
A recent China Labor Watch report, which examined eight toy factories, found low wages, nonexistent benefits, dangerous work environments and “humiliating” living conditions.
In addition, there are an increasing number of recalls of toys and other goods — from pet food to toothpaste — made in China that are sold around the world, including the United States, that were found to contain dangerous substances.
Consumer advocates accused the current federal administration of not properly funding adequate numbers of inspectors in key agencies that examine everything from food processors to cargo handlers.
They point to gutted and lax oversight for helping fuel the recent rash of food contamination and recalls involving toys from China with lead paint being sold in the United States.
Stay safe and proudly pro-union by taking your union-made items shopping list with you when you join the holiday rush this season.
