The move is intended to put pressure on the government and military of Indonesia to end the terror and respect the outcome of the independence referendum conducted last month in East Timor.
Even with the arrival of the first contingent of UN peacekeepers, East Timorese remain at risk. The boycott will continue until the militia and military end the atrocities and peace is restored, allowing refugees and those forcibly deported to West Timor to return with full international protection.
Jane Stinson, CUPEs Director of Research, who participated last month in a CLC delegation to East Timor before the independence vote, urged CUPE members to support the boycott.
Canadians showed how effective a consumer boycott can be in ending apartheid in South Africa. Its important that we show the Indonesian regime how shocked and outraged we are at their actions in East Timor, said Stinson.
Canadians import a wide range of goods from Indonesia, from Nike shoes to Crayola crayons to dried coconut. For a full list of products, check the CLC Web site at www.clc-ctc.ca and always check the label. If it says Made in Indonesia dont buy it.
Once peace is restored, the slow process of rebuilding the shattered nation will begin. In the coming days, well provide further information on a CUPE initiative to help in the reconstruction.