Few unions put ethical purchasing into practice

There is "a long way to go before unions' purchasing practices catch up with both their stated principles and members' aspirations" on ethical/environmental issues, according to a report released by the PCS civil service union, together with the No Sweat and Footprint Clothing campaign groups.

Only 11 unions out of 69 responded to a survey asking about environmental and ethical issues in their purchasing policies and practice. Just two of the 11 had an environmental and/or ethical purchasing policy, and only two more said they would like help in drawing one up.

Survey respondents said "quality" and price were more important than business behaviour.

PCS assistant secretary Chris Baugh said: "Unions are huge purchasers of goods and services and have the potential to be extremely influential through the purchasing decisions we take. Buying ethical products that conform to both workers' rights and environmental criteria sends a clear message that unions really can make a difference."