Sally

August 3, 1998

Dear Board of Directors:

I am a longstanding member of MEC who has recently received information via a listserve I subscribe to about labour problems at one of your suppliers, J.B. Fields Inc. As a concerned member, and one who extends her interests in the "environment" to social justice, I am troubled by the information I have received. I would appreciate a response from the Board of Directors re: the concerns raised in the e-mail sent to me from UNITE Local 1764.

I appreciate knowing that MEC endeavours to supply members with Canadian-made products and to support Canadian businesses and communities. It is clear that this particular business is treating its community (of women) unfairly. I believe this is an issue of social equity, which cannot go ignored by the board of directors. The decision by the MEC joint Board-Management Committee to require "our own suppliers to be positive influences in their local communities" (p. 63, MEC Spring & Summer Catalogue) demonstrates a commitment to act in this matter. Decisions with foreign countries in mind should also apply to domestic suppliers. We may have less need to be concerned about child labour in Canada, but the erosion of rights of women workers should be a serious concern of MEC, if this call for help is any example.

I am seriously considering boycotting MEC and will be informing other members of my decision to do so (via several nationwide activist listserves). Please respond as soon as possible, articulating what action MEC will be taking with respect to this issue. A refusal to purchase goods from this supplier until the issues are resolved is the most appropriate and ethical response MEC should take, given its commitment "to evaluate suppliers, not countries" (p. 64, MEC Spring & Summer Catalogue).

Respectfully,
Sally A. Kimpson