University to review sweatshop monitoring proposals

A student-drafted proposal to end sweatshops is a “viable option” for the university to consider, Chancellor David Ward says.

See also: Living wage symposium scheduled Nov. 18-21 Background information on UW–Madison’s efforts to end sweatshops

The proposal from the Workers Rights Consortium, announced Oct. 18, calls for the public disclosure of factory locations, payment of living wages and the freedom for workers to organize, among other items.

“I welcome the proposal from the Worker Rights Consortium,” Ward explains. “It represents a viable option for the university to consider as we continue to work to end sweatshops.”

Ward emphasizes that UW–Madison’s sweatshop advisory committee would carefully examine the Workers Rights Consortium and proposed monitoring standards from the Fair Labor Association. The FLA standards are expected to be released this month, and UW–Madison is one of only two universities helping draft those guidelines.

About 50 students, union activists and others rallied Oct. 20 to urge UW–Madison to drop its FLA membership. They contend the FLA is not tough enough on the apparel industry.

Ward says the university’s sweatshop committee agreed to review both proposals before making a recommendation on whether to stay in the FLA. Following the review, the committee will hold a public hearing on the proposals.

“I share the passion that students have to end sweatshop labor,” the chancellor says. “But this is not just a student issue. It is not just a university issue. It is a global moral issue, one that needs to be solved.”

Last month, Ward announced strict new guidelines for manufacturers of UW–Madison apparel. As of Jan. 1, licensed manufacturers must publicly disclose their factory locations and protect female workers from discrimination and harassment. The university is also implementing an international pilot monitoring project and is sponsoring a national symposium on living wage research Nov. 18-21.