From: Trina Tocco (talkalot83@hotmail.com)
Date: Fri Aug 16 2002 - 09:28:25 EDT
I think this email was directed at the listserve in a rather rude tone. either way, my assumption is that the union bug won't be placed on derby caps-am I correct?
peace, Trina
on a side note, the derby workers have been working their asses off dealing with all the issues of going back to work and I think its inappropriate for Kenneth to not understand that we are all doing our best.
Trina Tocco
talkalot83@hotmail.com
cell 616 873 1000
----- Original Message -----
From: Kenneth Alan Miller
To: Trina Tocco
Sent: Friday, 16 August, 2002 8:56 AM
Subject: could someone please answer the New Era Union UNION BUG question?
New Era now has a real Union. The people on this list seem to agree that Union Bugs are the only kind of lable indication that matters. Only 1/4 of New Era owned production is Union. Will consumers be able to choose Union caps because the Derby plant will be issuing a Union bug or not? This is a resonable question, and if the answer is no - well we all need to know why so we can make strategic decisions in the future. This is the 3rd time I have asked the list. I have asked numberous people over the phone who have himmed and hawed Is there anyone one who knows the answer or not? If we cannot ask one another questions and get strait answers - well that is just pathetic.
We all went out on a limb to win this fight and we are trying to figure out how it fits into our other struggles. Please could someone from the Union or a USAS person who is in contact with the Union please answer.
Please - Kenneth
Trina Tocco wrote:
From: Zac Moore
To: SCOOL@listserv.syr.edu
Cc: usas@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Thursday, 15 August, 2002 5:38 PM
Subject: [usas] Syracuse University comments on Maintaining New Era, WRC Relationship
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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