SUMMER TERM ACTION

Summer 2022 Action

Summer 2020 Action

1. Email Nestlé and Starbucks

Send a request for information regarding their supply chain and child labour practices.

Click HERE
to view a 3-minute video summary of Channel 4’s Dispatches Documentary (2 March 2020), which highlights the use of child labour for picking coffee beans in Guatemala by suppliers of Starbucks and Nestlé.

Starbucks Email:
EthicsAndCompliance@Starbucks.com

Nestlé Ireland Email:
dundalk@honrep.ch

Note: Nestlé Ireland has no direct email address. You may contact them via the Swiss Embassy Consulate with your message addressed to Nestlé.

Important: Please attach your “My Child Labour Poster” from Action 2 above.

Sample Email to Starbucks and Nestlé:

To whom it concerns,

Please explain why child labour was used in the picking of coffee beans in Guatemala to supply your company.
My information comes from the UK Channel 4 ‘Dispatches’ documentary of 2nd March 2020.

Yours sincerely,
A.N. Other

P.S. I am attaching “My Child Labour Poster” (see action no. 3 below).

2. Watch this Super 4-Minute Video

Click here
for a must-watch 4-minute video with powerful visuals and insights.
Read the lyrics and sing along to “Til Everyone Can See” — and don’t forget to
share this website with friends.
(Click the “cc” button on YouTube for lyrics.)

3. Make a Poster or Picture

Create a poster and post a photo to #EndChildLabour by Friday, 29th May 2020.

The poster should contrast the lives of children in child labour with children enjoying a decent childhood.
For inspiration, refer to the “Til Everyone Can See” video from Action No. 1 above or
click here
to view facts about child labour worldwide.

3. Make a Poster or Picture

Create a poster and post a photo to #EndChildLabour by Friday, 29th May 2020.

The poster should contrast the lives of children in child labour with children enjoying a decent childhood.
For inspiration, refer to the “Til Everyone Can See” video from Action No. 1 above or
click here
to view facts about child labour worldwide.

More Information About Child Labour

End Child Labour

The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines child labour as work that is mentally, physically, socially, or morally dangerous and harmful to children, and interferes with their schooling.

The negative effects of child labour include long-term injuries, death, malnutrition, depression, drug dependency, etc. Most child labourers come from disadvantaged backgrounds or minority groups. Many are abducted from their families and remain defenceless with little or no protection. While some families depend on child labour for food, there are alternative solutions.

Current State of Child Labour (2020)

• Over 220 million children aged 5–17 are child labourers
• 150 million are victims of forced labour
• 50% are engaged in hazardous work
• 75 million are under 10 years old
• 50% are in sub-Saharan Africa, 40% in Asia
• 2 million child labourers live in wealthy countries
• Girls in domestic service are often uncounted
• Over half work in family farms or enterprises

Causes of Child Labour

• Poverty and high unemployment
• Lack of free and compulsory education
• Weak national laws and enforcement
• Low wages and lack of workers’ rights
• Global economic pressures and unregulated capitalism
• ‘Fast Fashion’ consumption in wealthier nations

The Big Questions

1. Who is responsible for child labour?

Child labour is a global issue. It is our collective responsibility to eliminate it — governments, unions, NGOs, employers, educators, parents, and even children all have a role in ending child labour.

2. What is the solution? What can we do?

Global Citizenship School supports the principle of Decent Work for All and the goal of Ending Child Labour.
This is a key action in our pursuit of justice, equality, and sustainability.
We encourage May Day actions from parents, teachers, and children in support of this cause.

3. What is ‘May Day’?

In Celtic tradition, Lá Bealtaine (May Day) marked the shift from dark to bright days.
In modern history, it became International Workers’ Day, originating from the labour rights movement and demand for an 8-hour workday.
This year, “May Day & Decent Work” for primary schools is on Friday, 1st May.

4. What is ‘Decent Work’?

Decent work means a fair day’s work for a fair day’s pay.
According to the
ILO,
it involves productive work, fair income, workplace security, family support, and
social integration,
freedom of expression, and
equality of opportunity for all.
Decent work globally can eliminate poverty and child labour.

Three Actions for May Day: End Child Labour

1. Teach or play the 3-minute song and video – “Til Everyone Can See” (Nepali version) about child labour.

Watch it on YouTube and share with friends.

2. Create black-and-white posters contrasting child labour with a decent childhood. Organise a display for the school community.

3. Take photos of the posters and email them to Nestlé and Starbucks requesting their explanation for the use of child labour in their supply chains. These companies were highlighted in Channel 4’s Dispatches documentary (2nd March 2020).

REPEAT: Please share your actions using the hashtag #EndChildLabour on or before Friday, 1st May.

This article was submitted by Maurice Hurley of Global Citizenship School to INTO InTouch magazine.