From: Zac Moore (zdmoore@maxwell.syr.edu)
Date: Thu Aug 15 2002 - 17:38:03 EDT
http://dailyorange.com/main.cfm/include/detail/storyid/260863.html
New Era cleans up practices, SU stays with cap-making company
By Delen Goldberg, Daily Orange
After almost a year of research and investigation into the business
practices of the New Era Cap Company, Syracuse University officials have
decided to maintain the relationship with the headwear manufacturer.
The university began examining New Era's operation methods after
employees at the production facility and several worker rights
organizations raised claims of unfair labor against the company.
"Based on the information we have now," said Betsy English, director of
Bookstores and Trademark Licensing at SU, "we don't see any reason to
change the path we have been taking."
University officials say they have followed the lead of two monitoring
organizations dedicated to maintaining fair work places - the Fair Labor
Association and the Worker Rights Consortium-to decide the fate of SU's
partnership with New Era.
The FLA and WRC "have been very cautious and methodical in their
research process," English said. "We depend on the organizations to
inform us about what is taking place." Based on their reports, SU
representatives said they found no problem with New Era's labor
practices and will continue to do business with the company.
Problems for New Era began in May 2001 when seven workers at the
company's Derby factory filed a complaint with the WRC. The staff''s
claims of unfair treatment prompted hundreds of the approximately 350
plant workers to strike for more than 11 months. Employees alleged that
New Era failed to comply with health and safety regulations,
discriminated against older and disabled laborers and prevented workers
from joining unions that would afford them bargaining power.
Because of the accusations against New Era, several universities across
the country, including Duke, Georgetown and North Carolina, ended their
relationships with the company. In recent months, no other institutions
joined the boycott.
One reason for SU's continued relationship with new era, SU licensing
staff said, was to try to foster constructive influence on the company
that would bring about a change in their practices rather than
discontinuing business outright.
Even with precarious ties to New Era, SU officials did not feel the need
to look to other companies to manufacture the university's caps.
Bookstore employees maintain a sufficient resource list for
manufacturers of clothing and products and saw no reason to look beyond
their current licensees.
"It looks as if New Era really recognized their shortcomings and are
making an effort to rectify the situation," English said. "All
indications are that they are moving in a good faith effort."
Even the WRC admits that New Era is making strides toward a more
responsible business model. Scott Nova, executive director of the
non-profit organization, is encouraged. There has been "substantial
improvement in their willingness to cooperate with the WRC and other
monitoring organizations," Nova said, "and they have demonstrated a
greater degree of openness with us."
Maureen Riedel, Licensing Administrator for SU, agreed. "They have
become more open about their manufacturing processes," she said. "They
are aware of their obligations as a university licensee and seem to be
prepared to meet them, whereas before I think they were unsure of the
specifics involved."
A second and final report on the status of New Era's labor practices is
expected in September or October. It will reflect any changes that have
been made in company procedure since the initial August 2001 assessment.
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