This poster, created in the mid-1990s, was part of the Union of Needletrades, Industrial and Textile Employees (UNITE) Stop Sweatshops Campaign, which began when the union was founded in 1995. Led by UNITE in collaboration with the National Consumers League (NCL), the campaign marked a significant shift in traditional union strategies by moving the focus from production sites to pressuring retailers at the point of sale. 

This poster contains a photo of a young white woman (Sarah Polley) looking at the camera and holding up her hand. She is wearing a white shirt with black text that reads: “no slave to fashion!”.  Graphic design was done by Joss Maclennan and the photograph was taken by Susan King.

This poster is one of a number by Joss Maclennan featured in the Rise Up archival collection that illuminate her passion for clear language, strong visuals and dedication to social justice.Her work supports change on issues spanning domestic violence prevention, reproductive justice, poverty, racism, 2SLGBTQIA+ and workers’ rights, the environment, and the arts, Joss has created designs and illustrations for some of Canada’s most iconic social justice campaigns, including The National Day of Remembrance and Action on Violence Against Women.

Copyright is held by the artist and the poster is shared here with Joss Maclennan’s permission.