A simple plan

'U' must follow SOLE's lead

The issue of sweatshop labor was again cast into the spotlight after Friday's mass rally on the Diag and march on the Fleming Administration Building. Led by Students Organizing for Labor and Economic Equality, concerned students continued to pressure the University to ensure that a more stringent code be adopted by the Collegiate Licensing Company. Protesters insist the code be modified to include two cardinal objectives - full disclosure to the public of factory locations and owners and a living wage requirement.

Since the University has the highest apparel sales among reporting institutions, the University is viewed as a leader in ending unfair labor practices in the collegiate apparel industry - several other institutions are watching the University and expecting to set a precedent. Thus, SOLE's proposals are certainly reasonable and their efforts commendable.

The power of public opinion to evoke positive change can be seen clearly in the case of Nike. In last Friday's edition of The New York Times, Dara O'Rourke, the persistent Nike critic who in November 1997 made public a damning internal report about a factory in Vietnam, praised Nike for its improvements in labor conditions. Nike also agreed to let him visit any of its 37 footwear factories in Asia to prove that it has cleaned up its act. A human rights group called Global Exchange, historically Nike's most caustic critic, applauded the company last week "for its improving conditions and for letting an outside monitor inspect the factory."

Nike has reduced workers' hours, raised the minimum age, significantly curtailed the use of toxic substances to equal or exceed the standards set by OSHA. Putting its money where its mouth is, Nike has terminated contracts with eight factories in four different countries that refused to meet its labor standards.

This is proof that concerned citizens have the power to improve conditions across the globe, to continue the fight to ensure rights for all people. Nonetheless, the job is far from complete.

The activists should be commended for their efforts in pressuring the University to agree to full public disclosure and a living wage requirement. The University has an obligation to uphold human rights. Still, they should not tarnish their noble aims by getting carried away.

By giving companies the incentive to hold themselves accountable, labor conditions can be improved across the globe. SOLE's efforts have put the University in the national spotlight. With its high profile, the University is urged to act quickly and responsibly.

03-17-99