UW-Madison continues anti-sweatshop campaign

The University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Labor Licensing Policy Committee (LLPC) is beginning another academic year advocating against sweatshop abuses in licensed-apparel manufacturing.

The group, made up of students, faculty and staff, will hold its first meeting of the year at noon on Friday, Sept. 28, in Room 69 of Bascom Hall.

On the agenda will be updates on efforts on behalf of Hermosa workers, UW–Madison “fair-trade” company engagements and a discussion of the “designated suppliers” program.

In cooperating with Adidas and the Workers Rights Consortium, the LLPC is continuing efforts to assist the former workers of Hermosa Manufacturing in El Salvador.

During the summer, the university committed to spending an additional $20,000 out of its 2006-07 licensing royalty revenue to go toward ongoing monitoring and evaluation of workers rights in El Salvador. The funds will also be used to pursue back pay, severance, Social Security and health benefits, along with alleviating extreme hardships experienced by former workers of Hermosa Manufacturing.

Additional detailed updates on the complex and developing Hermosa situation will be discussed at the session.