DSP is good, but people seem to misunderstand it
Issue date: 4/24/08 Section: Letters to the Editor
TO THE EDITOR:
In response to the letter "DSP would do more harm than good for workers" (April 23) and as a supporter of the Designated Suppliers Program and Student Action with Workers' efforts, I would like to point out that the ongoing sit-in of South Building is the result of a three-year campaign.
During this time, Chancellor (James) Moeser has refused to meet with students, faculty and his own licensing advisory committee to discuss the benefits of the DSP. The program is designed to prevent companies from cutting contracts with factories that raise wages, improve working conditions and grant the right to collectively bargain.
The present situation is one in which the major corporations and licensees of UNC apparel close garment factories that uphold these same codes of conduct, simply because they are able to find cheaper factories with lower wages.
The suggestion that SAW members simply give charity to exploited garment workers ignores the structural flaws of university apparel supply chains that perpetuate poverty and abuse. For more information on the DSP, please visit SAW's Web site.
Daniel Cothran
Co-Chairman
Advocates for Human Rights
In response to the letter "DSP would do more harm than good for workers" (April 23) and as a supporter of the Designated Suppliers Program and Student Action with Workers' efforts, I would like to point out that the ongoing sit-in of South Building is the result of a three-year campaign.
During this time, Chancellor (James) Moeser has refused to meet with students, faculty and his own licensing advisory committee to discuss the benefits of the DSP. The program is designed to prevent companies from cutting contracts with factories that raise wages, improve working conditions and grant the right to collectively bargain.
The present situation is one in which the major corporations and licensees of UNC apparel close garment factories that uphold these same codes of conduct, simply because they are able to find cheaper factories with lower wages.
The suggestion that SAW members simply give charity to exploited garment workers ignores the structural flaws of university apparel supply chains that perpetuate poverty and abuse. For more information on the DSP, please visit SAW's Web site.
Daniel Cothran
Co-Chairman
Advocates for Human Rights
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