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
SOMO welcomes new members of Parliament
07-09-2010
On Sustainable Tuesday, 7 September 2010, SOMO will be offering all new members of the Dutch parliament copies of the book ‘Het Onzichtbare Label’ (The Invisible Label). This book, published by SOMO, provides an analysis of the problems surrounding sustainability, and insight into alternatives and structural solutions. SOMO wants to encourage the members of Parliament to integrate sustainability into their political policies. The book provides handholds for realising sustainable policy.
Dutch media focuses on abuses in the Indian textile sector
03-09-2010
Today's Volkskrant contains an article about Indian textile workers, who produce clothing in poor conditions for the chain stores C&A and H&M. Employees are not permitted to leave the factory site, and more than a quarter of their wages is only paid out after three years. This is shown in a study published in the Volkskrant on 3 and 4 September 2010. The Volkskrant's study was carried out in response to a preliminary study realised by SOMO for the European Coalition for Corporate Justice (ECCJ). An extensive report on this case will appear later this year.
Reverend Billy in Amsterdam to call AHOLD to account
07-08-2010
On Friday 6 August, the well-known pastor Reverend Billy of the Church of Stop Shopping, together with various campaigners, called supermarket group Ahold to account. This was in the context of tackling the exploitation of tomato suppliers in the US. SOMO recently carried out an investigation of Ahold, in cooperation with VBDO.
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.
