Mountain Equipment Coop considering boycott of Israel....
Let's hope they do the right thing at their general meeting...
A major Canadian outdoor-equipment chain could be setting up camp on the thorny soil of the Israel-Palestinian conflict.By the way, there are alternatives to MEC here in Ottawa...
A motion is expected to be presented next week at Mountain Equipment Co-op's annual general meeting in Vancouver, calling for a boycott of all products produced in Israel.
"We just don't think (Mountain Equipment Co-op) should be doing business with Israel until it changes its behaviour," said Patrik Parkes, a spokesman for BC Teachers for Peace and Global Education.
"Many of us are MEC members, and because MEC promotes itself as an ethical company, we believe their actions need to reflect that."
The chain, whose website lists it as "a retail co-operative that sells exclusively to members," gets two products through Israeli companies: seamless underwear and a hydration system for hikers and bikers.
Michael Elterman, chairman of the Canada-Israel Committee for the Pacific Region, said he believes the motivation for the motion is purely political.
"I don't see any calls for not outsourcing to China or any other places," Elterman said Tuesday.
"It's hard to reconcile this as anything other than an attempt to de-legitimize Israel as opposed to being serious about human rights and practices. This is really an attack on Israel."
posted by GayandRight @ 9:12 AM
6 Comments:
As I pointed out on my blog post on this yesterday, a sub group of the BCTF (BC teachers union) is behind this move. People should contact MEC (link on my blog) and let them know what they thing.
It's a no-brainer.....just boycott Mountain Equipment in return
I will cut up my membership if this goes through...
I would like to specify some things:
Mountain Equipment Coop first mandate is to "Directed by the members, MEC fulfills its core purpose – to help people enjoy the benefits of self-propelled wilderness-oriented recreation. We do that by selling outdoor gear, clothing, and services." This said, it's not the place for a retail store to be political. MEC is already acting in the community (getting training to staff making them more active outdoor and going for bigger challenges; giving grants to organizations and first accent; doing a good job in the recycling and composting program; etc. see web site) As for the factory and sourcing, we are being careful on the people working within the factories.
Personally, I believe a retail store is not the place to put your point. MEC is a leader; a store that care. If some are using MEC to show their point of view, this is not appropriate. They should act else where : government, walking or going on the field.
I am against bringing this resolution and invite everyone to speak up by sending email to info@mec.ca or sending a letter at MEC. Since AGM ordinary resolution are not binding, the voting will not affect to the structure and the Board will not be obligated to act on it... and chance are really limited that this would be accepted (accepting this would mean revising China made and other... )
I wrote to MEC and asked them to cancel my membership because I will not give my money to an anti-semitic outfit.
Nice blog as for me. It would be great to read a bit more about this topic. The only thing I would like to see on that blog is a photo of some gizmo.
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