So, we often hear about a latest campaign to boycott something because of an ethical issue or the practices of that company or country, and as a student movement we are strong on the principles of who we deal with and why.

I am writing this blog because as VP Union Development there are many issues that we must consider when looking at the strength of our Unions, in a campaigning capacity, around commercial services but most importantly about student engagement. Now, I should make it clear from the outset that I am anti-boycotts for a variety of reasons. Principally because of the fact the people that it hits and hurts the most are not the companies but the workers.

Some Unions will boycott a company and quote a variety of reasons, but let me ask you this, what is the point of not stocking it and just holding a policy file in the Union as to why you did it? We may not have it on our shelves but the shop down the road will, and unless you tell me why it isn’t there or what the reasoning behind it is, then I, as one of your members, am none the wiser and will continue to purchase it.

As Students’ Unions we do not exist outside of the rest of the world, especially when it comes to commercial revenue, as a lot of you will be feeling in your Unions. We have to engage and develop stronger campaigns that aren’t just us saying we aren’t doing something, but are ones that educate students to take action, understand the issue and want to make it their own.

This is why we are wrong to just boycott without campaigning on the right issues alongside it and constructively engaging with people and similar organisations to make the difference. Don’t just say you are against a product or a company and that the product won’t be stocked in your Union. Stock the product but put a big clear message as to why students shouldn’t purchase it allowing them the free purchasing choice and not damaging the actual people who matter the workers we seek to protect.

In my eyes Unions should do something about what they are campaigning for by joining up with a wider movement and tackle the issue in front of you. If you boycott due to workers not having rights then work with the people affected to campaign for better working conditions and Trade Union rights within that country. That will make a difference and put more pressure on the companies rather than merely saying ‘well you can’t buy it here’. Let the people affected lead their movement with our support and support them to actually feel the difference and tackle their issues.

So in short, no I don’t support boycotts and I don’t think we do enough by just saying we won’t stock a product. I believe that students can make up their own mind but we must challenge their purchasing to ensure they are aware if the issues. And let’s not believe we know better than everyone else – meet and support organisations that campaign to change practices and whatever you do, don’t harm the workers movement just because we don’t think through our actions.

Cheers,

Richard ‘Bubble’ Budden

07740 334184

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