Labor Standards for Columbia Licensees
History at Columbia and Current University Policy
- A 1999
Senate resolution led to the university's affiliation with the Fair Labor Association (FLA).
- After a 2000
Senate resolution, the university became a founding member of the Worker Rights Consortium
while maintaining membership in the FLA.
- On January 28th, 2000 the
Senate adopted a Code
of Workplace Conduct for Columbia University's Licensees. Key
provisions include:
# No forced or child labor;
# Compliance with local health, safety and environmental standards;
# Freedom of association and collective bargaining;
# Equal pay and employment opportunities, as well as women's rights
provision; and
# Provision of a living wage to be determined for individual workers or
households in each country.
Senate Jurisdiction and Responsibilities
- The Senate External Relations
and Research Policy Committee holds the primary jurisdiction in overseeing
University relations with commercial vendors and other third party
organizations.
- On March 31, 2000 the
University Senate resolved that the Senate External Relations Committee
annually evaluate the University's involvement in the Fair Labor
Association (FLA), Workers Rights Consortium (WRC), and other groups
dedicated to ending sweatshops and report to the University Senate.
- In the execution of these
powers, the External Relations Committee meets with student groups,
members of the WRC board and the administration, attends public hearings,
and reviews relevant documents.
- It also receives an annual
report from the administration about compliance of our licensees with the
University's Codes of Conduct.
Designated Suppliers Program
Reports to the Senate
Hearing
A
University Senate External Relations Committee Open Forum with Representatives
from the Fair Labor Association and Workers Rights Consortium (3/3/00)
Other Press