Purdue News
Purdue News
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October 10, 2000 Purdue to join 2 labor monitoring groupsWEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue provisionally will join two groups that monitor manufacturers of collegiate merchandise, university President Martin C. Jischke said today (10/10). Jischke endorsed the findings of a committee of students, administrators and faculty that recommended Purdue become a member of both the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC) and the Fair Labor Association (FLA). "I accept this recommendation provisionally," Jischke said. "It is clear that there is widespread agreement on the campuses and within the entire university community that Purdue's licensed merchandise should be manufactured under conditions that are consistent with our institutional ideals. I certainly endorse this concept personally, and I am willing to take reasonable steps to support it, as long as they are not contrary to the best interests of the university." Jischke's decision came in a memorandum to James B. Dworkin, who chaired the Purdue Merchandise Licensing and Marketing Policy Committee. Dworkin, who is the chancellor at Purdue North Central and an expert on labor issues, concluded: "Both organizations are evolving and pursue different approaches to the issue of monitoring. It is difficult to predict which approach will be the most successful. All committee members are in agreement that we need to be concerned with inhumane sweatshop conditions around the world. Given this shared concern, it seems that more monitoring is better than less." The president also accepted the committee's recommendation that it continue as a standing committee to review the progress of the WRC, FLA and other monitoring agencies. In his written response to the committee, Jischke added: "Purdue has no direct connection to factories where products are made for companies that have obtained licenses from the university. We have seen no convincing evidence that any Purdue-licensed products have been made under unsuitable circumstances. Like all other universities, we have only general information about labor situations in certain industries. However, I believe we should make a good-faith effort to be as well-informed as possible on the conditions under which Purdue-licensed merchandise is made and to take appropriate action if we believe there is cause for concern. "It is clear that neither the WRC nor the FLA has solved all the complex problems of monitoring factory conditions on a global basis. As you point out, they have different philosophies and different approaches to a very complex problem. Neither group has met all the conditions set forth in the April 7, 2000, letter from President Steven C. Beering, and I have concerns about certain aspects of both organizations. However, I agree with your conclusion that more monitoring is better than less." Jischke then addressed his concerns about both organizations: "In the case of the FLA, my primary concerns are that the group has limited representation from universities in its governance structure and that its proposed monitoring procedures may allow factories that violate our code to avoid detection. We will watch the FLA's progress closely to determine whether its monitoring is effective and whether the interests of higher education institutions are addressed. "The WRC has not stabilized as an organization. It has not yet been recognized as a 501c(3) non-profit organization and therefore cannot receive or disburse funds. It has yet to hire an executive director. Whether the WRC will be able to develop a credible monitoring process remains open to question. "Published reports indicate that FLA and WRC are perceived to be supported by opposing interests. I don't believe we are in a position to evaluate whether these perceptions are accurate, but their existence is a matter of concern. As a university that was created to serve the people of Indiana, Purdue's only purpose in joining the FLA and the WRC is to enforce its Code of Conduct. If either group seeks to involve the university in other economic or political issues, we will reassess our membership and, if necessary, terminate membership. "My intention during the months ahead is to monitor closely the evolution of the FLA and the WRC. As long as the groups are developing in a positive direction and serving the best interests of Purdue, we will maintain membership." In a minority report from the committee, Douglas Sabel, director of University Contracting Group, recommended that Purdue more thoroughly review the relationship between the labor and student organizations associated with the WRC and understand their agendas; further consider liability issues of membership; and review alternative means of monitoring. Sabel's responsibilities include oversight of Purdue's logo licensing program. He notes that collegiate licensed apparel sales make up less than 1 percent of the licensed apparel market. Sources: Joseph L. Bennett, vice president, university relations, (765) 494- 2096; (765) 463-1731; jbennett@purdue.edu James Dworkin, (219) 496-6305; jdworkin@purduenc.edu Doug Sabel, (765) 494-4186; dwsabel@purdue.edu Writer: Jeanne V. Norberg (765) 494-2084; (765) 449-4986; jnorberg@purdue.edu Related Web site: NOTE TO JOURNALISTS: A copy of the committee's recommendation and the written response from the president are available from the News Service, (765) 494-2084.
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