On Friday March 8th, Rhythms of Resistance samba band, members of the Crossroads Womens Centre, and an anti-sweatshop group amongst others met on Oxford Street, London to stage a protest about labour conditions for people (predominantly women) in sweatshops around the world. Initially there wasn’t much passing interest for the International Womens Day demo, but with about 25 of us to hand out flyers, hold banners and play samba, crowds soon gathered to watch the spectacle in front of a prime offender, sweatshop clothes producing Gap store on Bond Street. Those stopping were interested and supportive, dancing to the music and asking questions about the action.

After playing for about 40 minutes, the band entered the Gap, dancing around it, banging drums and shouting slogans, whilst others headed for a balcony on the 2nd floor and dropped a banner to highlight reasons for the protest. Bizarrely the security didn’t seem to know what to do, eventually closing the shop doors, but leaving half of Rhythms of Resistance and some demonstrators inside to continue merrymaking unhindered

We eventually left without further incident and no old Bill, to pass on to our next destination the Disney store, taking over the road with music and dancers as we did so. Security at this store was tighter, but as the shop’s shutters were pulled down, an unusual tactic was employed by staff. We couldn’t help laughing as a ...... cardboard cut-out monster from the film ‘Monsters, Inc’ was then placed in front of the shutters for added protection!

Our final stop was Niketown at Oxford circus, and here the police were waiting for us. There was a bit of a tussle as some of the demonstrators tried to enter the building with two women being trampled underfoot by the police, though they were eventually pulled to safety. The band continued to play, helping to gather another large, curious crowd. As we left to search out a relaxing pint, the police continued to follow us, though there were no arrests. Overall it was a successful, positive action, with lots of public interest into the issues surrounding sweatshop labour and garment workers.

Fore more info on anti-sweatshop campaigns, please contact No Sweat at : PO Box 36707
London SW9 8YA Tel: 07904 431 959 or check their website: www.nosweat.org.uk

For having it samba info head for www.rhythmsofresistance.co.uk