Chancellor Ward outlines new sweatshop initiatives
Chancellor David Ward said Wednesday evening that the university will withdraw from the Fair Labor Association, a group set up to help monitor manufacturers of university-licensed merchandise. He also said that he will continue his talks with other university leaders to consider collectively joining the Worker Rights Consortium under mutually acceptable terms.
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Ward outlined his position as he addressed a group of protesters in Bascom Hall.
“Unilateral membership in the WRC at this time requires further deliberation,” Ward said. The WRC is a student-sponsored group that has not yet been fully organized.
Ward said he has been in contact with other major university leaders about the next steps needed to effectively monitor manufacturers of apparel and other items bearing university trademarks.
“In particular, I am communicating with other presidents and chancellors about a collective effort to join the WRC, but under mutually acceptable terms,” Ward explained. “This process will take several days and I intend to have more information no later than Monday to report on that progress.”
Under new guidelines implemented Jan. 1, licensed manufacturers of UW–Madison merchandise must publicly disclose their factory locations and follow other stringent workplace standards, including the protection of female workers from discrimination and harassment and other provisions outlined in the Collegiate Licensing Company’s draft code of conduct.
The CLC reported this week that 310 of UW–Madison’s 447 total licensees have disclosed factory locations. The CLC continues to receive disclosures from manufacturers, and its representatives plan to follow up to get information from companies that have thus far failed to respond.
“We are continuing to receive positive feedback from the CLC about its effort to collect important information about factory locations, the first step toward effectively monitoring workplace conditions,” Ward said.
Companies that want to sell products displaying the UW–Madison name, Bucky Badger, the motion “W” and other university trademarks generally must apply through the Atlanta-based CLC. The CLC will ensure that the new guidelines are included in all current, pending and renewed UW–Madison licensing agreements.
Licensees who fail to report factory information may lose the right to manufacture university apparel and other merchandise bearing UW–Madison trademarks.
Ward reminded the protesters to obey the law and to act with civility during their demonstration. The chancellor opened his outer office after making his comments to the group.
Earlier in the afternoon, university police were asked to assist the chancellor’s staff in leaving their offices. As they were leaving and the door was opened, protesters tried to use force to gain entry to the office.
“Based on reports that I have received, our police response was appropriate,” the chancellor said.