TESCOPOLY

Adam Johannes, Roath/Plasnewydd RESPECT: "The last year has seen yet another Tesco's open in Roath within ten minutes walking distance of two similar stores. Other Supermarkets are planned in the area. While supermarkets offer workers convenience, the stranglehold of multinational corporations over the food we eat has had an incredibly negative impact on both the environment and public health. We also need to campaign for every school student to have access to one free and nutritious school meal a day - surely the health of our children is worth the cost?"

DEFEND CHOICE

RESPECT is not opposed to those who shop in supermarkets, we are opposed to the supermarket monopoly. Their power limits choice and jeopardies diversity. There is mounting impact that the stranglehold of supermarkets over the food we eat has lowered public nutrition and the quality of food that we eat. As Tesco buys up convenience stores and sells ever more types of non-food produce from kettles to financial services, local food and the very character of Britain's high streets are under threat.

DEMAND GOOD FOOD FOR WORKING PEOPLE

The use of additives, colouring a flavouring has enabled supermarkets to increase profits and lower the quality of food by increasing shelf life and enhancing its taste and appearance.

REDUCE FOOD MILES - FIGHT CLIMATE CHANGE

The way Tesco seeks maximum profit, as well as the 'just in time' distribution strategy, increases the transportation of products all over the globe as well as up and down the country.

SOLIDARITY WITH THE GLOBAL SOUTH

The worlds poor are getting poorer. The multinational agro-industrial complex forces many farmers off land and into sweatshops or worse. Many farmers are forced into debt and suicide is far to common. Multinationals also divert vital water sources away from local people in order to maximize farming or food production.

FOR WORKERS RIGHTS

The average Tesco employee earns £11,000 a year, the chief executive earns £4m. Tesco exploit vulnerable people - many part times, on a high turnover with little of few benifits and paid just above the minimum wage.

STAND UP FOR MIGRANT WORKERS

Supermarkets make enormous profits (Tescos up by £13bn last year) by pushing producers to cut corners, employ gang masters and create unacceptable working conditions.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT OF AGRI-BUSINESSES

Intensive farming of cash crops using fertilisers and without long them planning is having a huge impact on important ecosystems. Switching crops on global demand often leads to massive over production in one crop. In the case of Bio-fuels this has lead to staple food shortages in some countries.

TOO CLOSE TO GOVERNMENT

The big supermarkets maintain and increase their monopoly through huge lobbying power and many have long histories of funding the three main parties. Tesco's fund the Lib Dem's and the Tory Party and Lord Sainsbury is in the New Labour Government.