Re: Caution: Children at work, June 13

Caution: Children at work, June 13

There is one simple way to ensure child labour has not been used to produce your coffee, chocolate bar, leather jacket or cotton T-shirt: Fairtrade.

Fairtrade-certified products have been produced by farmers and workers who follow strict standards that protect people’s rights and the environment. This means no child or slave labour, sustainable production methods, safe working environments and a premium for producers that is invested in local projects such as education, health care, environment, and training.

All of the products sold through Fairtrade are equatorial, which we consume in mass amounts but cannot produce: coffee, tea, cotton, sugar and chocolate are just some examples.

The supply chains for Fairtrade-certified products are completely transparent, which means you can determine the producer and the location.

On first glance, Fairtrade-certified products are slightly more expensive but, in fact, these prices represent the true cost based on fair wages, safe working conditions and sustainable production methods. Items that are cheaper and not Fairtrade, especially chocolate, leather and coffee, use free child labour.

As consumers, we need to acknowledge our part in supporting child labour by squeezing retailers for the lowest prices. We need to change the way we consume.

Shelly Sanders, chair, Fairtrade Oakville

Are these children really “forced” labour?

From my own perspective, it is only forced labour from the social viewpoint that children are supposed to be in school. But is it appropriate to apply that perspective to all countries?

Guatemala is a developing country, where most citizens struggle for the basic needs to survive. The surging export market is a blessing for them, although it promotes “forced” labour.

I don’t think these children, who are dedicating themselves to national development and creating the basic economic foundation for their future, are forced.

Exchange theory is a psychological theory that looks at how individuals make choices by weighing costs and benefits. They are making their own choices by maximizing benefits and minimizing costs.

This has been proven as a wise choice by China’s development process. It once had a cheap labour force, but now enjoys a booming economy and rapidly rising international status. So there is no doubt that the benefits exceed the costs.

Ding Yuhui, Toronto

Child labour sounds inconceivable to me. Childhood is the best time to gain knowledge, learn skills and create your future dreams. It is unfair that one child is being educated in school, preparing for the future, while another child is working as an adult producing products.

Children are a vulnerable group that needs to be cared for by families and society. They are not tools to make money.

Jiahui Luo, Toronto