Sanders Touts Ben & Jerry's As Model Of How Companies Can Address Social Inequities
Excerpt:
Sen. Sanders visited the Ben & Jerry's St. Albans plant Friday to hear about the company's efforts to increase jobs in Vermont and to talk with factory employees.
The senator addressed about 70 employees in a town hall-style meeting, reiterating the many social justice issues that were central to his presidential campaign, including the challenges facing middle class Americans and the increasing chasm between the wealthiest Americans and the average citizen.
Sanders praised Ben & Jerry's for including a social mission in their business plan, saying it isn't enough to simply manufacture a good product:
"They also have a mission which says that workers have got to be respected, there has to be a family attitude, that people are in it together," Sanders said.
"The goal is not just to exploit people and make as much money as you can, the goal is not to destroy environment and make as much money as you can - the goal is to be employer that stands for justice."
[font color="gray"]Sen. Sanders gets a tour of the Ben & Jerry's St. Albans factory, which is undergoing a $50 million expansion.
CREDIT COURTESY OF LINDSEY BUMPS[/font]
Sanders opened the floor to Ben & Jerry's employees, who asked him a wide range of questions on topics from opioid addiction to state funding for college education to climate change.
After the discussion, the senator donned steel-toed boots, a hair net, protective goggles and lab coat for a quick tour of the factory floor.
http://digital.vpr.net/post/sanders-touts-ben-jerrys-model-how-companies-can-address-social-inequities#stream/0
