|
The University of California intends to join the Fair Labor Association while continuing its membership in the Worker Rights Consortium, two organizations that maintain oversight of working conditions for the manufacture of various products, announced the Office of the President.
The action is part of UC's ongoing effort to improve labor practices in companies that produce consumer products bearing the University's logos and trademarks, said Joseph P. Mullinix, UC senior vice president for business and finance. The University has licenses with more than 200 companies, including Adidas, Gear for Sports, Jansport, and Nike.
Since August 1998, UC has followed a code of conduct for trademark licensees that manufacture consumer products bearing University logos and trademarks. The code specifies for University licensees and contractors minimum workplace standards and practices related to legal compliance, ethical practices, and employment standards. In January 2000, the University strengthened its code as a result of suggestions from an advisory group of faculty, students, and administrators.
A copy of the UC code of conduct is available at http://www.ucop.edu/ucophome/coordrev/policy/1-05-00code.pdf.
"Assuring compliance with our code requires open and honest dialog with manufacturers and workers, and a system of monitoring workplace conditions," Mullinix said. "Currently, there is no fully developed monitoring program on which the University can rely to assure licensee compliance with the code.
"However," he added, "the University is
committed to work energetically towards a system that provides
an assurance that compliance is being achieved….The University
is looking forward to working with both the Worker Rights
Consortium and Fair Labor Association on these important issues,"
said Mullinix.
—Mary Spletter/UCOP
|
