FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
ST. JOHN'S UNIVERSITY TO COMBAT SWEATSHOPS WORLDWIDE
Commits Unprecedented Funding Support
Jamaica, N.Y. (June 14, 1999) -- St. John's University announced today that it is joining forces with two major organizations established to combat sweatshops and the exploitation of apparel workers worldwide, committing funds to support this cause at levels exceeding any other college or university in the country. With an enrollment of approximately 18,400 students, St. John's is one of the largest Catholic universities in the United States.
The two organizations targeted for St. John's participation are the Global Alliance for Workers and Communities (GAWC) and the Fair Labor Association (FLA).
The University's actions come as the result of recommendations by its own Corporate Code of Conduct Task Force, a group of students, faculty and administrators convened in December 1998 to examine the issue of corporate global responsibility in the context of St. John's mission as a Catholic, Vincentian university.
Rev. James Maher, C.M., Chairman of the Task Force, said, "St. John's University, because of its unique mission to serve the poor in the spirit of St. Vincent de Paul, has a special obligation to help those who are not in a position to help themselves. The steps we are taking will allow us to improve the futures of young women and young men on the other side of the globe, as well as the future of their communities. We believe this commitment of resources is an example of how Catholic universities can uphold and advance human dignity as well as offering a concrete example of Catholic social teaching. We invite other colleges and universities to join with us in seizing the opportunity before us -- to reach far beyond our own borders to make a difference."
The GAWC is a new initiative that has as its primary goal the use of broad-based research and direct worker feedback to identify work place issues and worker goals and dreams -- the first step toward addressing those concerns. The Alliance is critically important because it begins to explore two topics of paramount interest to workers and consumers -- improving the working conditions of young workers and an independent public reporting on the needs and aspirations of the workers, themselves. The major organizations now directly involved include the World Bank, the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the Nike Corporation, the Mattel Corporation and the International Youth Foundation, where the initiative will be housed.
St. John's is making a financial commitment to the GAWC of 25% of the total value of its contract with the Nike Corporation. It is the first college or university in the country to do so.
"By joining the Global Alliance for Workers and Communities, St. John's University is demonstrating an extraordinary commitment to improving and expanding those developmental opportunities available to young adult workers involved in global manufacturing," said Rick Little, President and CEO of the International Youth Foundation. "We are concerned not only about the work environment, but also with the workers' non-work activities and the communities in which they live. Our goal is to help these young adults gain life skills and self-confidence to achieve their dreams and make a contribution to their families, communities and society."
The start up phase for the GAWC is planned in four countries: Indonesia, Thailand, China and Vietnam. St. John's student athlete footwear and apparel are produced primarily in the U.S., with a small percentage of these products created in the first three Asian countries noted above. St. John's GAWC contribution will be directed to benefit workers and local communities in those three countries. In addition, members of the University's Task Force anticipate that they, along with others from the University community, will personally inspect factories in which St. John's footwear and apparel are produced.
St. John's University has also joined the Fair Labor Association (FLA), which addresses licensing issues pertaining to athletic shoes and clothing. The FLA is comprised of more than 70 colleges and universities around the country, along with Nike, Reebok, Liz Claiborne and Phillips-Van Heusen.
Michael Posner, Executive Director, Lawyers Committee for Human Rights, said, "We are very excited about St. John's participation in the FLA and applaud their generous contribution. We believe the universities' involvement in the FLA will be instrumental in strengthening the movement to protect workers worldwide. St. John's support for the FLA will enhance its credibility and strengthen its efforts."
Alexis Herman, U.S. Secretary of Labor, said, "I am delighted that St. John's University is taking a real leadership role in the Fair Labor Association. Their participation and financial support demonstrate a sincere and solid commitment to eradicating worker abuse in the garment industry in this country and around the world. I am confident that the university community's involvement will make a significant impact in the fight against garment sweatshops."
As a member of FLA, St. John's support for the organization and its work will again exceed the standard contribution. In addition to an initial payment of $5,000, which covers a share of FLA operations costs, the University has committed to providing $70,000 for the training of non-governmental monitors of factories in which licensed products are made. It is important to note that the FLA had established a cap of $50,000 for university contributions.
The University's Task Force will maintain an active presence in both the GAWC and FLA.
For more information, please contact Charlotte Tomic, Director of News and Information, St. John's University, at 718/990-6364
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