From: Edward Feigen (efeigen@aflcio.org)
Date: Fri Aug 16 2002 - 10:47:55 EDT
It is my understanding that obtaining a union label was not attained in
negotiations. CWA had to make difficult decisions regarding their
bargaining priorities -- particularly when the membership was on strike
and without jobs for one year.
Getting a union label is a great idea - one that I would encourage.
Other key bargaining issues that the union had to fight for included
improving safety & health conditions, fighting back a 30% wage cut, and
cutbacks in healthcare coverage. Given those challenges, it is
difficult to put yourself in the shoes of the bargaining team and second
guess their decisions.
The bottom line is that New Era had every intention of busting the CWA
union in Derby. Because of the tenacity of the striking workers and the
unimaginable support provided by USAS, we beat back the company and won
a tremendous victory. Hopefully, for the next round of contract
negotiations, rather than fighting to survive, Local 14177 will be in a
stronger position to fight for a union label.
Ed Feigen, Strategic Campaigns Coordinator
Center for Strategic Campaigns, AFL-CIO
815 Sixteenth Street, NW, Room 5049
Washington, DC 20006 USA
TEL: 202/637-5187
FAX: 202/637-5012
E-MAIL: efeigen@aflcio.org
.........................................
www.aflcio.org
>>> "Trina Tocco" <talkalot83@hotmail.com> 08/16/02 09:28AM >>>
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.
USAS webpage: http://www.usasnet.org
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