Established in 1973, the Centre for Research on Multinational Corporations (SOMO) is a not for profit Dutch research and advisory bureau. SOMO investigates the consequences of Multinational Enterprises' (MNEs) policies and the internationalisation of business worldwide.
Short News
EU failure to reform international investment agreements will have costs for taxpayers and the environment
07-07-2010
European campaigners have denounced the EU Commission for failing to adequately reform international investment agreements, warning that ordinary taxpayers and our environment will suffer as a result. The Seattle to Brussels Network today also published a reader on the issue.
Morgen awards 'Groene Zeepbel' 2010 to Shell
01-07-2010
On Saturday 26 June, the student network for a sustainable future, Morgen, awarded the Groene Zeepbel (Green Soap Bubble) 2010 to Shell. In recent weeks, Morgen called on all students in the Netherlands to vote for the ‘best greenwashing campaign’. The companies where selected on the basis of critical reports of SOMO.
Make or break for the OECD Guidelines? OECD Watch critiques of Guidelines’ effectiveness
30-06-2010
In the first decade of this century, governments of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) have been unable to protect workers, communities and the environment from harm caused by multinational corporations. This is the conclusion of OECD Watch’s latest report that was launched today at a press conference in Paris.
Online petition against exploitation in computer production
22-06-2010
Today, Procure IT Fair is launching an online petition calling on institutes of higher education in Europe to take up sustainable procurement of computers. The global electronics industry in characterised by serious labour issues. A demanding work load, long working days and forced overtime are frequently reported, in combination with low wages and lack of freedom of association.
Suicides at Foxconn in China: an appalling showcase for the electronics sector
08-06-2010
While Apple launches its 4th generation iPhones, labour activists worldwide are protesting today and calling for the commemoration of the 10 workers who committed suicide at the Foxconn factory in Shenzen producing iPhones and other electronic products. At the same time, the European campaign makeITfair is launching a postcard action to urge mobile phone operators like T-Mobile and Vodafone to offer fair and green phones to their customers. They currently offer phones that are manufactured under exploitative working conditions. The only choice available to consumers is a phone made by workers who are exploited by companies such as Foxconn.
