Oxford Profits from Sweatshops
Merchandise bearing the name of the University and its colleges is manufactured in sweatshops, according to a motion passed last week by OUSU.
Oxford No Sweat, investigating on behalf of OUSU, discovered that T-shirts featuring the University logo are produced in a factory in Salé, Morocco, where managers were condemned for "disgraceful behaviour" by the International Textile Garments and Leather Workers Federation (ITGLWF). In 2001, Fruit of the Loom dismissed and intimidated eight workers who attempted to establish a union branch at the factory. No Sweat told The OxStu that Moroccan workers at the factory are still denied freedom of association.
The Fruit of the Loom brand, which the ITGLWF claims has "a long history of virulent anti-union activity", also manufactures college hoodies.
Evidence suggests that licensed merchandise, the revenues from which go directly into the University's funds, are also being manufactured in unethical conditions.
Mark Sandell, co-ordinator of Oxford No Sweat, told The OxStu that although T-shirts printed by Nuttell, who produce sportswear sold by the shop, are printed in the UK, the actual clothing is manufactured at an undisclosed destination abroad, "probably in sweatshops." He called on "organisations like the University to act responsibly and ensure clothes were not being made in a sweatshop environment".
No Sweat has also found that University baseball caps are produced in China, where any form of union association is illegal.
OUSU will circulate a petition campaigning against "long hours, poverty pay [and] dangerous conditions" which will be taken to University Council. Ethics committee member Catherine Wallis told The OxStu: "We've got support from the Oxford branch of the TUC and Unison, who represent the staff."
Oxford Limited, the company that owns the licensing rights to the merchandise, was unavailable for comment. A University spokesperson said that they were unable to comment on the issue at the time of going to press.
29th Jan 2004