Fair prices, fair working conditions: it’s all about choosing the right products.
(Photo: Angelika Bardehle)
Fair trade is to become an overarching goal of the community in Oberschleißheim. At the request of the Greens, the local council decided almost unanimously to be certified as a “Fairtrade Town”. District and municipal councilor Helga Keller-Zenth (Greens) is to support the establishment of the necessary structures. According to the basic decision of the municipal council, a steering group is now required to implement the certification process.
“Fairtrade-Towns” aim to promote fair global trade in a targeted manner at the local level. The result should be a network of actors from civil society, politics and business who work together locally to promote fair trade. “Fair Trade” is based on the sustainability goals of the United Nations to combat hunger and poverty and for sustainable economic activity. The farmers involved must comply with specified ecological, economic and social rules, such as the prohibition of child labor, special occupational safety measures and fixed minimum wages.
“The purchase of fair trade products is a small contribution that the rural population in the so-called Third World countries can live from their hands,” says the Greens’ proposal. In order to be certified, Fairtrade products must then be sold in at least four Oberschleissheim shops and two restaurants. Three public institutions must also be involved, such as schools, churches or associations. The Catholic Parish Association already offers fair trade products. The CSU, FW, Greens, SPD, FDP and ÖDP decided to start the certification process with 22: 1 votes against Angelika Kühlewein (CSU).