Published March 8, 2006
Student activism can uphold labor standards
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To the Daily:
Do you own any clothing from Steve & Barry's? They're well known as the cheapest store on our campus, and recently, we found out why. Students Organizing for Labor and Economic Equality hosted a worker tour where two women shared their stories that exposed the truth about the clothes that we wear (Workers describe life in sweatshops, 02/17/2006)
One of these women was Branice, who works in a factory in Kenya that produces clothes for Nike, Champion, Russell Athletic . and Steve & Barry's. At her factory, Branice previously faced strip searches, abuse from her managers, excessively long days without pay, unpaid wages and pay below even the miniscule Kenyan minimum wage - barely enough to survive on. That was before Branice and other workers organized and formed their union. Last month, she told us the story how she and her female colleagues fought for this right. After a passionate struggle, they won their union, better wages and the right to work with dignity. Think of it - Branice had to form a union and go on strike just to get the minimum wage! But now companies are moving their business to other factories that don't respect workers rights - like paying minimum wage and not forcing strip searches and pregnancy tests - and they can do it because of universities like ours.
Our university has not agreed to a plan which would guarantee business to factories like Branice's. This proposal ensures that a certain percentage of clothing is made in factories that practice worker's rights. It would also ensure that we, as students, are wearing sweat-free clothing. These women fought for their rights, and they won. If we don't take action as students, they stand to lose everything that they've struggled for.
Kaitlyn Koch
LSA first-year student
'U' students use break to rebuild after hurricane
To the Daily:
This past week, 55 students from the University of Michigan spent their spring break helping us in southern Mississippi recover from the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. They cleaned homes, yards, pulled stumps, painted, removed debris and fulfilled any other needs they recognized. They assisted in the cleanup of a retirement home in our city and assisted many elderly with so many needs. They slept in our church, worked despite sore muscles and never once complained. They showed so much concern for their fellow man.
They truly gave of themselves to help make our lives a little easier. We thank them from the bottom of our hearts for all they gave to our community. Thanks to all, and we hope you'll come see us sometime - thanks, Wolverines!
John D. Jones
Pascagoula, Miss.
