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GoodElectronics Vision, Mission, Common Demands on the electronics industry
20 January 2012
The GoodElectronics Network has a vision of a global electronics industry characterised by compliance with the highest international human rights and sustainability standards. Labour rights and environmental norms are respected throughout the entire production cycle, from the mining of minerals used in electronics products, to the manufacturing phase, and the recycling and disposal of electronics waste, both on the level of companies’ own operations and in the supply chain. To further this vision, the GoodElectronics Network has formulated demands on the electronics sector. These demands apply throughout the entire production cycle, from the mining of minerals used in electronics products, to the manufacturing phase, and the recycling and disposal of electronics waste, in each company’s own operations, those of their contractors and subcontractors, and in their supply chain.
Pre-announcement: GoodElectronics and makeITfair Round Table - Amsterdam, 9-10 May
19 January 2012
In 2009, makeITfair and the GoodElectronics Network hosted a Round Table to discuss supply chain social and environmental issues. As a follow-up to this session, makeITfair and GoodElectronics are organising another Round Table on 9 and 10 May 2012 in Amsterdam. In line with the successful event in 2009 where difficult topics were discussed in an open atmosphere by the many different participants, the objective is to find common ground between the industry and civil society organisations for effective strategies that will bring lasting improvements of labour conditions in the global electronics supply chain. Policies, practices and recent initiatives by the electronics sector will be discussed and evaluated.
Multinational knowledge brokerage event on Sustainable Consumer Electronics
19 January 2012
The RESPONDER Knowledge Brokerage event on “Sustainable Consumer Electronics” focuses on challenges within the ICT domain that relate to the segment of consumer electronics. In particular, the aim is to stimulate discussions on the issues of energy labeling, e-waste, the potential of telework and the diffusion of broadband which all comprise contradictory aspects relevant for policy-making. The event aims to foster networking and knowledge exchange
between policy-makers and experienced researcher in the field.
Will Apple turn over a new leaf when it joins the Fair Labor Association?
17 January 2012
Apple has joined the FLA as the first technology company among a number of garment companies.
Is this is a genuine effort by Apple to clean up labour abuses in its supply chain, or merely a way of proving its credentials without actually delivering? For GoodElectronics and makeITfair it is too early to tell. The FLA obligation is to become compliant within the next two years. GoodElectronics and makeITfair will be watching closely to see whether FLA membership means Apple takes action on key problems within its supply chain.
Samsung leads race for year’s worst corporation
12 January 2012
High-tech gadgets built on the backs of workers: South Korea’s richest conglomerate uses banned and highly-toxic substances in its factories, without informing and/or protecting its workers. As a result at least 140 workers were diagnosed with cancer, of which at least 50 young workers have died. Despite clear evidence, Samsung denies its responsibility and publicly discredits the sick and deceased, as well as their relatives. Samsung has a history of over 50 years of environmental pollution, trade union repression, corruption and tax flight. Samsung’s power in South Korea is so great that many citizens speak of the “Samsung Republic.”
