December 20, 2016

[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”intro-text” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]Christmas is only 5 days away! For those of us who celebrate it, that means we don’t have a lot of time left to prepare for the big day. For me, that means I have to get started.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”intro-text” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]Decorations, gifts, food; all of the usual stuff that goes with the modern Christmas event needs to be sourced, but there is more to it than that. While we are working to ensure our homes are decked out to the level we (and our kids) like, and while we are ensuring we prepare the perfect meal and handing out the perfect gifts, as best we can, now is a good time to consider where we are getting our supplies too.

With a little bit of research, you can feel good not just about what you are purchasing, but where you are buying from. The union movement was built on equality and fair treatment for all workers. Not all stores and not all producers feel the same way. Some refuse pay a living wage to their employees, some do not provide benefits to their staff. Some producers exploit their workers with long hours, minimal pay, or unbelievably, with child labour! In 2016!

Having said that, it is not always possible or practical for you to only buy products created by union hands or to avoid companies that actively fight organized labour. What matters is that we are making informed decisions regarding how and when we spend our money. Put some thought into where you spend your money because each dollar you spend tells the company that you support the way they do business. Choose carefully how you spend your money. And that can help everyone have a good Christmas.

Do you have any comments or questions? Maybe you know of some great labour-friendly products or places to shop that you would like to share. Let us know.

Until then, have a great holiday season and a safe and happy New Year.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]

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