subject: Further Over Seas Co-operative Support And Help Ethical Trading [print this page] It seems that global poverty is becoming an increasingly big issue, and as it grows an increasing number of businesses are showing their support for human rights for all workers around the world. Processes such as ethical screening are being put into place to promote the investment of money into businesses that take some concern about the treatment of all the parties involved in making their produce. As a result we are seeing more businesses that are moving towards more ethical trading.
Ethical screening means not investing in any businesses that are considered to be trading in an unethical manner. In the same way that a bank or finance house will not invest money in a business that does not meet their requirements, ethical screening will block investments in any company that takes part in any unethical trading. By introducing this funding for businesses that are deemed ethical we can ensure that they are favoured an supported, while less ethical companies are not In the long term this should hopefully lead to the elimination of unethical companies. A co-operative is in a great position to support ethical screening.
The requirements for ethical screening will usually include basic labour rights. This is the rights of employees to certain working conditions; this will include aspects such as working hours, rates of pay, and of course suitable working conditions. A zero tolerance policy is given to child labour is and discrimination or abuse in any form. Companies are expected to act in humane fashion where workers are respected and treated well.
Ethical screening also applies to companies that are still using fossil fuels to produce energy, as this is a major drain on the environment that should not be used so heavily when there are alternative renewable energy sources. Unlike an individual a large co-operative has the power to simply say no and therefore make a difference. Companies that choose to use non-renewable energy sources will be refused for ethical screening and those that favour renewable sources and require help will receive it.
Companies that might receive support from ethical screening would include ones such as Fairtrade; because this is supported whole communities are able to support themselves. Fair prices are paid on goods and gradually poverty is eradicated. Fairtrade successfully supports the poorest of workers, which incidentally tend to be the ones discriminated against the most, paying them a fair price and allowing them to prosper.
