Companies on 'strike' for the climate: action or advertising?

• September 22 2019
• http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/sunday-finance/companies-on-strike-for-the-climate-action-or-advertising-_175320

PARIS, France (AFP) — “Strike for climate action” is the watchword coming not from the shop steward but the C-suite, as many companies publicised their support for Friday's mobilisation, but positioning to capture consumers that isn't translated into action carries risks.

While the movement may not be massive, it is global: around the world companies have gone public and associated themselves with the global climate protests on September 20 and 27.

The American outdoor clothing company Patagonia, for example, has publicised widely its decision to close its 107 stores on both days to encourage its employees to participate in the events.

“We're on strike in solidarity with the youth-led global climate strike for a better future and climate justice for everyone,” says the website for SodaStream, the Israeli-based home soda system maker now owned by Pepsico.

“We'll be back on September 21st.”

In Germany, 2,400 firms have joined under the banner of 'Entrepreneurs for Future'.

Employees of companies such as Zalando, Delivery Hero and Flixbus were marching in suit and tie to demonstrate the support of the business world.