By snoadmin
One of the most exhilarating experiences about being a student at a university is the school spirit and pride shared throughout the student body, which is largely illustrated through Cal State Long Beach apparel, whether it’s sweatshirts, shirts or book bags.
Many universities purchase their apparel from manufacturing companies — such as Nike — that aren’t the most reputable companies out there. However, last month a new, Dominican Republic-based company named Alta Gracia — or “exalted grace” — was introduced to CSULB by eight representatives of the International Studies Student Association, a motion that should be strongly considered.
Cal State Long Beach President F. King Alexander and 49er shops’ chief executive officer Don Penrod received a letter from the students of ISSA expressing the importance of purchasing clothing from Alta Gracia Apparel as opposed to others. Alta Gracia differs from other manufacturers in that it pays its workers “living wages” in order to promote the improvement of working conditions for employees in such areas of profession.
A “living wage” is considered to be the amount of money needed to care for a family, and is often higher than minimum wage. For example, Alta Gracia workers receive a living wage of $2.83, while the minimum wage is set at 84 cents. Even more, employees at Alta Gracia “are allowed to unionize and the Worker Rights Consortium is allowed frequent and unrestricted visits to the factory,” as stated in a Daily 49er article published earlier this month.
Compare this to Nike, a manufacturer that has always remained cryptic about employee wages. In a Huffington Post article, writer Jim Keady recalls Team Sweat, an international coalition consumers and investors who disregarded a request for Nike to reveal the wages its overseas factory workers receive. Nike Founder and Chairman of the Board Phil Knight responded briefly to a PBS reporter’s question as to whether or not Nike factory workers are making a living wage, saying, “Absolutely. No question about it.” Keady argues that if Knight is so sure his employees are receiving a living wage, then why are his responses so covert?
And Nike isn’t the only factory struggling with legal issues. Russel and Champion are also under scrutiny in regards to the legality of their sweat shops and workers’ rights.
Alta Gracia puts its workers first by taking in less profit so that wages can be high enough to support living standards and clothes can be sold at similar prices than other brands. According to AltaGraciaApparel.com, Alta Gracia sells its shirts to universities for $8 wholesale, with retailers marking them up to $18. At CSULB, shirts are normally set at $16.95, while others might cost as high as $20. This is a very slight difference than what students would pay if Alta Gracia provided CSULB apparel.
The CSULB 49er shops have indicated that they are currently “in compliance with international labor standards,” according to Caitlin Dickerson, member of ISSA. However, Dickerson stated the ISSA will research CSULB merchandise to make sure that our bookstore and convenience stores are not selling items manufactured from companies that have poor work conditions for their employees.
The International Studies Student Association will resume the project in April, and will host a protest outside of the bookstore that same month if deemed necessary.
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