Between a Rock and a Hard Place

National Consumers League Lauds Smithsonian Exhibit

      "The National Consumers League congratulates the Smithsonian for recognizing the importance of sweatshops in our nation's history," said Linda F. Golodner, NCL president. "The exhibit tells an important story about the clothes that we wear, the clothes that our grandparents wore. The tattered thread of sweatshops is woven into our American fabric. To mend the problem, we need to understand it."

      Founded in 1899, NCL is the nation's pioneer consumer group which works to bring consumer power to bear on marketplace and workplace issues. NCL worked for child labor provisions in the Fair Labor Standards Act (passed in 1938) and more recently, has helped found the Child Labor Coalition (CLC) which is committed to ending child labor exploitation in the U.S. and abroad. President Bill Clinton appointed NCL President Linda F. Golodner to the White House Apparel Industry Partnership, which she co-chairs.

      The National Consumers League also commends the corporations supporting the exhibit, and those participating in the AIP. "These businesses recognize the abuses within the industry, and are working to right some wrongs. We need their commitment to win this battle," said Golodner.

Founded in 1899, NCL is the nation's pioneer consumer group which works to bring consumer power to bear on marketplace and workplace issues. NCL worked for child labor provisions in the Fair Labor Standards Act (passed in 1938) and more recently, has helped organize the Child Labor Coalition (CLC) which is committed to ending child labor exploitation in the U.S. and abroad.