Senate Resolution #5

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Presented to the Senate floor on February 10, 2011.

Authored by: ARCE

Co-authored by: Kapur, West

Introduced by: Arce

Referred to: Ethnic and Cultural Affairs Commission

External Affairs Commission

Recommendation: Ethnic and Cultural Affairs Commission Do Pass as Amended,

9-0-0 on February 14, 2011.

Yes: Castro, Chilaka, Fayehun, Gettani, Ha, Montelongo, Mulji, Rezakhany, Wren.

External Affairs Commission Do Pass as Amended,

9-0-0 on February 15, 2011.

Yes: Abrams, Bae, Giap, Lieberman, Ozedirne, Percoco, Repicky, Sandstrom, Zepeda.

Senate Resolution #5

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An ASUCD Resolution to increase the awareness and market of fair-trade, union-made, Worker’s Rights Consortium (WRC) verified living-wage brands available at the University of California, Davis Campus Bookstore.

WHEREAS, students and employees of the University of California system have the responsibility to advocate for workers' rights in all areas where University money is spent, whether on campus or through global supply chains; and,

WHEREAS, students of the University of California system continue to advocate that their University-logo apparel be produced in garment factories with dignified labor standards in compliance with the University of California Code of Conduct; and,

WHEREAS, campus community organizing has been the lifeblood of the movement to support workers' rights and has made some of the most important changes in the global apparel industry throughout history, such as (1) Workers' Rights Consortium affiliation; (2) Freedom of associational rights for BJ&B workers in Villa Altagracia, Dominican Republic (1998, 2002, 2006-2007); (3) Re-opening of Jerzees Nuevo Dia in Honduras (2009/2010); and (4) Severance pay for former employees of Hugger and Vision Tex factories in Honduras (2009/2010); and,

WHEREAS, steep competition and price pressure in the apparel industry set the stage for exploitative conditions for workers that make University of California, Davis apparel; and,

WHEREAS, the University of California Code of Conduct states that “licensees and their contractors must provide wages and benefits which comply with all applicable laws and regulations and which match or exceed the local prevailing wages and benefits in the relevant industry or which constitute a 'living wage,' whichever provides greater wages and benefits,”; and,

WHEREAS, apparel industry workers have the right to a life of dignity and a living-wage, whichcovers the cost of meeting a family’s basic needs: food and water, housing and energy, clothing, health care, transportation, education and childcare, as well as modest funds for savings and discretionary spending; and,

WHEREAS, the Worker Rights Consortium has developed a living-wage calculation that covers the cost of meeting a family’s basic needs and has over a decade of experience monitoring collegiate apparel at more than 180 universities including the University of California, Davis; and,

WHEREAS, University students, staff, faculty, and alumnae are entitled to purchase University of California logo apparel produced in factories that demonstrate respect for worker rights, safe and healthy working conditions, and freedom of association as guaranteed by the Worker Rights Consortium, to which the University of California system is affiliated; and,

WHEREAS, Alta Gracia Apparel is currently the only readily available apparel brand producing for the collegiate apparel market that both pays its workers a living wage and recognizes an independent union.

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Associated Students of the University of California, Davis encourages the University Bookstore to source substantially larger portions of all apparel offerings (including in store, online, and at off-site events/locations) from union-made living-wage WRC verified brands, such as Alta Gracia Apparel, beginning with their next order; and,

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the Associated Students of the University of California, Davis asks the University Bookstore to take an active role in promoting union-made living-wage brands, such as Alta Gracia Apparel, through informative displays, competitive placement, on-campus advertising, training of store staff, in-store promotions and promotional events; and,

THEREFORE BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the Associated Students of the University of California, Davis and Movimiento Estudiantil Chicano/a de Aztlan (MEChA) will support these efforts by the Bookstore in taking an active role in educating students and the University community of the alternative living-wage, union-made brands such as Alta Gracia Apparel via e-mail, publications, community delegations to the bookstore, and consumer options educational campaigns within the University Bookstore and community; and,

THEREFORE BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED THAT, copies of this legislation be sent to Linda Katehi, Chancellor of UC Davis; Chuck Kratochvil, UC Davis Bookstore Director; Jean Aguirre, UC Davis Bookstore Merchandise Director; Rachel Taber, Alta Gracia Apparel Organizer; The Sacramento Bee; Davis Enterprise; The California Aggie; and KDVS 90.3 FM.

DO PASS AS AMENDED, 11-0-1, BY A ROLL CALL VOTE OF THE ASUCD SENATE ON FEBRUARY 17, 2011. YES: ARCE, BUSH, DIAZ-ORDAZ, EKHATOR, LEE, MOOSAVI, PROVENCHER, STERLING, TANNER, THONGSAVAT, WALZ. ABSTAIN: ROMERO.

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Jack Zwald Date

ASUCD President