Steelworker activists from USW Local 8888 protested outside the office of Senator John Warner in Norfolk, VA on a rainy July 30, 2007 to encourage him to support the Anti-Sweatshop Bill (HR 1992/S 367). 

This legislation was introduced into Congress for the second time this past summer. To date, over a dozen of Senator Warner’s colleagues in the Senate have signed on to the bill as cosponsors of the legislation to indicate their support.

 

The bill holds particular significance for women and children around the globe, as many sweatshop producers thrive on exploiting young women and children to produce goods destined for the U.S.  This bill would ban products manufactured under sweatshop conditions from entering our market, providing an incentive for unethical companies to clean up their act.

 

The activists taking part in the rally, mostly Women of Steel members, delivered a message to Senator Warner’s office during the event and then walked in front of the office holding signs as cars and people passed by. Holding signs that read ‘Remember Women and Children in the US and the World’ and ‘No Sweatshops’, the demonstrators made their positions clear.

 

“The reaction from the public was wonderful,” commented Fentre Graves-Neal, Virginia Women of Steel Coordinator. “People were really interested in the issue.”