Economic Justice
QPSW's Economic Justice work seeks to promote a fairer and more equitable international economic system that meets the needs of all. We work to influence the policies of governments, companies and international economic institutions and to encourage greater popular understanding of these issues.
Multinational corporations have a huge impact on the lifestyles,livelihoods and environment of people all over the world.Quaker Peace & Social Witness(QPSW) challenges the practicesof multinational corporations to ensure this impact is positive. With its partner, the Ecumenical Council for Corporate Responsibility (ECCR), QPSW carries out research on the ethical policiesand practices of a number of corporations in which the churches have investments. ECCR encourages its members to use this information to enter into dialogue with multinational companies and exert pressure on them to improve their practices in areas of concern.
ECCR’s latest report ‘Vulnerable migrant workers: the responsibility of business’ considers the vulnerable position of many migrant workers employed in the UK and Ireland and offers a comparative analysis of the extent to which nine food production, manufacture and retail (supermarket) companies address this vulnerability.
A community in the Philippines says ‘No’ to mining that threatens their food security
Ethical trade
Under the auspices of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), QPSW works with British high street retailers and trade unions to improve the working conditions of the workers, who manufacture the goods that we buy. The highly competitive and dynamic nature of modern retailing means that many retailers now have complex, multi-layered supply chains.
The tripartite nature of the ETI brings together different perspectives and experiences and NGO participation in the initiative is an important way to hold companies to account; to ensure that they are fulfilling their commitments and to challenge them to go further.
Our witness
The belief that justice in our economic system is a necessary condition for peace is informed by Quaker testimonies to simplicity, truth and equality. Quakers try to avoid unnecessary consumption and advocate living simply in the belief that economic opportunity and advancement should benefit the whole community.
Some Quakers act from within the established economic system and others work for radical change of the system itself.
“Economics is presented as though it has unchanging laws, but it is a human creation. As Quakers we must believe that we can make a difference. Where do we start? We can encourage each other not just to doubt the conventional but to know where differences have been made.”
Tony Weekes, Ferguson Fellow at Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre
Supporting action for economic justice
QPSW supports Friends advocating greater international economic justice. Through our membership of the Trade Justice Movement and the Jubilee Debt Campaign we provide resources and information to help Friends to get involved in campaigning for trade justice and debt relief. As a Fairtrade Churches Stakeholder we encourage Friends and meetings to support Fairtrade and take action in Fairtrade Fortnight.
We are a part of Stand Up and Take Action Against Poverty - an annual global event in mid-October in which millions of people take action to demonstrate their support for the fight against poverty - and can provide support and resources for Friends to take part.
The Economic Issues programme is also currently considering ways in which to support Friends, who are, or are interested in, supporting migrant workers in their local communities.
Quakers at Brighton TJM march in 2005
Keeping informed
QPSW is committed to keeping Quakers informed of important international economic issues and supporting those campaigning for economic justice.
We have a range of educational resources to help Quakers and others gain a better understanding of issues such as trade and debt.
These include a regular newsletter Better World Economics and an introductory briefing pack on economic issues and institutions and campaigning materials such as postcards and posters.
We can provide speakers for Meetings who wish to learn more about the Economic Issues programme.
Get involved
Ask to receive our introductory guide to international economic issues and institutions.
Subscribe to the Better World Economics newsletter.
Read Responding to Climate Change – a briefing to help Friends learn more about, reflect and take action on climate change.
Ask about the latest economic justice campaigning opportunities.
Support this work with a donation.
Ask about a speaker for your Meeting.
Contact
Suzanne Ismail
QPSW, Friends House, 173 Euston Road, London NW1 2BJ
020 7663 1055
Quaker Peace & Social Witness works with, and on behalf of, the Religious Society of Friends in Britain to translate our faith into action. As Quakers we are impelled by our faith to make our lives an active witness for peace and justice. Our historic testimonies to equality, justice, peace, simplicity and truth challenge us to alleviate suffering and seek positive social change.
This work is overseen by QPSW’s Economic Issues Group, which sets policy and determines priorities.
June 2009