Use membership to improve WRC
Editorial
Notre Dame should be commended for its decision to join the Worker Rights Consortium and the chance to expand its ability to stomp out sweatshop labor in the production of college apparel. This decision could strengthen Notre Dame's role as the leading university in the battle against sweatshops.
For years, Notre Dame has set the standard for anti-sweatshop initiatives by universities. It was the first university to adopt a code of conduct for manufacturers in 1997 and was the first university to monitor its own sweatshops. Notre Dame has also banned the manufacturing of any of its products in countries like China that do not allow workers to organize. This ban will take effect June 30.
But Notre Dame's leadership in the battle against sweatshops doesn't stop with codes of conduct and independent monitoring. It is also one of the co-chairs of the university advisory council of the Fair Labor Association (FLA). The University is also working with church and human rights organizations to increase its monitoring of labor conditions in Latin America. Clearly, Notre Dame has taken several steps toward curtailing sweatshop labor.
After taking such a strong stance against sweatshop labor, Notre Dame must ensure that its membership in the WRC only enhances its mission against sweatshops. Notre Dame has made a significant financial commitment to the WRC by earmarking 1 percent of its licensing revenue to the Consortium. As one of the largest collegiate licensers in the country, Notre Dame has given thousands of dollars to the WRC.
At the same time, the University acknowledges concerns regarding the structure of WRC and its plan for monitoring factories. Currently, only five universities sit on the board of directors of the WRC. If universities are going to spend significant money on the WRC, they should have a larger say in the direction of the WRC.
Currently the WRC only steps in to monitor factories when a complaint has been logged. While this system is effective for resolving disputes by placing the power of major universities behind the workers, it does little to prevent these problems initially. The WRC should randomly monitor factories before problems occur.
In joining the WRC, the University expressed its confidence that these matters can be resolved satisfactorily. As the newest member of the WRC, Notre Dame should push for a swift resolution to these concerns.
If Notre Dame's experience as the leading anti-sweatshop university can strengthen the WRC, then Notre Dame's investment is worthwhile. Through the FLA, WRC and its own independent monitoring, Notre Dame can make a strong statement against sweatshops.
All Viewpoint Stories for Wednesday, March 7, 2001
