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Posted April 12, 2000 The University of California system will join the Worker Rights Consortium, on a trial basis, amid outcry over sweatshop produced college apparel. Officials say the move will help UC monitor manufacturers of hats, T-shirts, sweatshirts and other items for the ten campuses. "The university has taken this step in order to make clear its commitment to ensuring that the workers who produce the goods sold with University of California identification are treated fairly and humanely and work under safe and decent working conditions," said Wayne Kennedy, UC Senior Vice President of Business and Finance. The Worker Rights Consortium monitors worker conditions in factories around the world that manufacture products intended for university licensure, such as apparel. The work of the UC Advisory Group on Monitoring and Enforcement Issues will continue its work under Berkeley Vice Chancellor for Business and Administrative Services Horace Mitchell. Along with Harvard University, the University of Notre Dame, the University of Michigan, and Ohio State University, the University of California will continue to participate in the Independent University Initiative. This Harvard-initiated study brings together experts to visit factories in seven countries to gather accurate, first-hand information on working conditions. Results of the Independent University Initiative study are expected this summer.
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