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So far, system-wide, sweatshop-free purchasing is only on paper for SUNY schools

SUNY campuses have fallen behind the curve on ending sweatshop conditions in the factories producing collegiate apparel despite an anti-sweatshop policy resolution that was introduced and adopted by the SUNY Board of Trustees almost a year ago, June 16, 2009.

According to the resolution, the Chancellor is authorized to issue guidelines for implementation of a system-wide policy to apply uniform standards across the State-operated campuses for sweat-free merchandise, whether sold on campus (including sales by third party licensees such as sporting goods stores) or purchased for SUNY use. Campuses “may join appropriate independent labor rights monitoring organizations…” and community colleges operating under the SUNY program “are encouraged to adopt the University anti-sweatshop policy and guidelines.”

Action needed
The Sweat-free SUNY Coalition, the Labor-Religion Coalition, United University Professions and other groups continue to urge the SUNY Board of Trustees to back the resolution with substantive action by adopting the Designated Suppliers Program (DSP) and associating with the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC), according to UAlbany leader Jackie Hayes.

SUNY New Paltz, SUNY College at Cortland, U Albany, and U Buffalo are among the 186 colleges and universities affiliated with the WRC. Visit http://wwwworkersrights.org for information for schools about becoming an affiliate.

At a SUNY Student Assembly conference in Binghamton in October, the Sweat-free SUNY Coalition encouraged students from across the SUNY system to demand their campuses adopt the DSP and associate with the WRC.

Rallies in April [PDF], May and December drew public attention to the fact that the SUNY Central Administration and 60 of its 64 campuses are satisfied with taking part in human rights violations by using sweatshop labor to produce campus apparel.

Another push came from NY Assembly Member Peter Rivera and NY Senator Ruth Hassel-Thompson who introduced the Ethical Business Conduct in Higher Education Act in the spring of 2009. The bill may have influenced the Chancellor Nancy Zimpher and Board of Trustees to jump in and act on its own initiative.

For background information about sweatshop-free purchasing campaigns in New York's system of colleges and universities, click here.

Last Updated:04/27/2010
© Labor-Religion Coalition of New York State