Fair Trade

Fair trade can mean different things to different people. To us it means that the people producing the items, whether in their homes or in factories, are being treated with dignity. That is, they are being paid at a rate that is fair and reasonable in their community and is commensurate with the price received for the end product by the owner of the enterprise or, if they are self employed, by the wholesaler. It means that they are not forced to work unreasonable hours without breaks. It means that they are not children and that they have the freedom to leave that employer if they so wish, without the payment of any fee or penalty. It means that there work environment is safe - it is ventilated, well lit and not locked to prevent exit in the event of a fire or other emergency.

Basically it means that to the best extent possible in their country of residence, they enjoy working conditions that are what we here in Australia would expect, and take for granted. We would not work as slaves, in appalling conditions and for a pittance and neither should we buy goods produced in such circumstances.

Fair trade is all about what then name suggests, fairness. It is not charity but involves giving people in less fortunate communities the opportunity to earn a fair living doing work that offers them some dignity and pride.

The use of the "Fair Trade" label is also governed by organizations such as the Fairtrade Labelling Organizations ("FLO") and the International Fair Trade Organization ("IFAT"). In Australia the relevant body is Fairtrade Labelling Australia & New Zealand ("FLANZ") and you can find out more information about fair trade initiatives at the website of the Fair Trade Association of Australia & New Zealand (www.fta.org.au).