Established in late 2006 as the Exploitation Liberation Front (ELF) ASME is a local campaign team, drawing members from across the public to put pressure on corporations, organisations and governments to end sweatshop labour.

So, what is sweatshop labour? It is the policy of exploiting workers to the maximum possible, in complete disregarded to their rights and livelihood. They source a large amount of products that we consume in the UK, most notably the garment industry. Workers are paid as little as 2p an hour, and rights to a union are forbidden. We heard recently of a story which shows how far factory owners will go to prevent union activity. It is as follows, an extract from an E-Mail Labour Behind the Label sent:

And this is not an isolated case, it is estimated that 115 trade unionists were murdered in 2005, and many more subject to verbal and physical intimidation, and sometimes sexual aggression.

"Breaking Sweat" GIG Thursday July 10th from 6:30pm 10 bands!  Breaking Sweat at the Winter Gardens on 10th July.  Come along and support the group and enjoy the show!

Our focus for 2007 is an awareness campaign which started with a street demonstration in January. Feedback from the demonstration was very positive, and gained local media coverage. It also started debate (letters section of the Eastbourne Herald) in which so many members of the public came out in support of our cause.

We have no source of income, and rely fully on volunteers for our demonstrations and activities. We ask all who are willing to make a stand against injustice in trade to join our team of activists to help stop the exploitation of so many workers. Please send your details to jamie1575@hotmail.com to get involved.

The photo below shows Stephan Lloyd (Eastbourne Liberal Democrat PPC) giving his support at our stool at the Fairtrade Fashion show. He gave the following statement: “Growing up in Africa I saw with my own eyes the exploitation of low paid workers. The campaign by the students at Park College is a terrific example of young people standing up for what is right. Good on them!”

We would again like to stress we are not a student organisation – our membership is open to anyone who expresses an interest!

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