FACES Update

UMF GOES CLEAN

In a press conference on Friday December 8, at the University of Maine at Farmington, university president Theodora Kalikow and representatives of the Farmington Area Citizens to End Sweatshops presented the code of conduct which UMF has formally adopted to govern many of its purchases. Suppliers of clothing, uniforms, footwear, textiles, and items bearing the UMF insignia must now conform to principles that uphold the rights and dignity of workers.

President Kalikow called the student-led campaign that resulted in the adoption of the code "a model of social responsibility and activism." Referring to UMF's #1 ranking among public liberal arts colleges by U.S. News and World Report, she said, "I want it to be true that UMF is first in principles, not just in reputation." FACES organizer Erin Clark thanked the president for working cooperatively with FACES throughout the campaign to get UMF to "go clean."


UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT FARMINGTON
POLICY ON GOOD PURCHASING PRACTICES

I. The University of Maine at Farmington expects its suppliers of clothing, uniforms, footwear, textiles, and items bearing the University insignia to conduct their business in a manner which upholds the rights and dignity of workers. The University will knowingly do business only with suppliers whose employees are present at work voluntarily, fairly compensated, 
not at undo risk of physical harm, and not exploited in any way. The University of Maine at Farmington will give preferential treatment to companies with "cleaner" manufacturing practices, and reserves the right to cease business relations with suppliers who choose not to cooperate in our efforts to end
sweatshop abuses.

II. There shall be a Purchasing Practices Policy Committee, appointed by and reporting to the President, whose charge shall be to recommend to 
the President ways to make operational the following principles:

1. Wages and Benefits. Suppliers must provide wages and benefits which comply with all applicable laws and regulations, and which provide for essential needs and establish a dignified living wage for workers and 
their families.

2. Hours of Work. Employees will (a) not be required to work more than the lesser of (i) 48 hours per week or (ii) the limits on regular hours allowed by the law of the country of manufacture; and (b) be entitled to at least one day off in every seven-day period, as well as holidays and vacations. 

3. Overtime Compensation. In addition to their compensation for regular hours of work, employees will be compensated for any overtime hours at the greater of either (i) one and one-half times the regular rate of pay or (ii) as is legally required in the country of manufacture.

4. Child Labor. No person shall be employed at an age younger than 15 (or 14 where the law of the country of manufacture allows) or younger than the age for completing compulsory education in the country of manufacture where such age is higher than 15.

5. Forced Labor. There shall not be any use of forced labor, whether in the form of prison labor, indentured labor, bonded labor, or otherwise.

6. Harassment or Abuse. Every employee shall be treated with respect and dignity. No employee shall be subject to any physical, sexual, psychological, or verbal harassment or abuse.

7. Nondiscrimination. No person shall be subject to any discrimination in employment, including hiring, salary, benefits, performance evaluation, discipline, advancement, retirement or termination on the basis of age, sex, gender, pregnancy, maternity leave status, marital status, race, nationality, country of origin, social or ethnic origin, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or political opinion. 

8. Health and Safety. Suppliers shall provide a safe and healthy working environment to prevent accidents and injury to health arising out of, linked with, or occurring in the course of work or as a result of the
operation of employer facilities. Suppliers will provide compensation to employees for any injuries, illnesses, or diseases which may arise as a result of working for the supplier.

9. Freedom of Association and Collective Bargaining. Suppliers will recognize and respect the right of employees to freedom of association/unionization and collective bargaining. No employee will be subject to harassment, intimidation, or retaliation in their efforts to associate freely or to bargain collectively. Suppliers will allow union organizers free access to employees. Suppliers will recognize and 
negotiate with the union of the employees' choice.

10. Women's Rights: 

a) Women workers will receive remuneration equal to male workers, including equal benefits, equal treatment, equal evaluation of the quality of 
their work, and equal opportunity to fill all positions. 

b) Pregnancy tests will not be a condition of employment, nor will they be demanded of employees.

c) Workers who take maternity leave will not face dismissal or threat of dismissal, loss of seniority or deduction of wages, and will be able to return to their former employment at the same rate of pay and benefits.

d) Workers will not be forced or pressured to use contraception.

e) Suppliers will provide appropriate services and accommodation to women workers in connection with pregnancy. 

11. Public Disclosure. The University of Maine at Farmington shall require public disclosure of contact information and location of all facilities which are involved in the manufacture and distribution of clothing, uniforms, footwear, and textiles purchased by the University, and of all items bearing the University insignia. Suppliers will also provide 
written assurances that they adhere to this policy, and will make workers in their manufacturing facilities aware of its terms.

III. The Purchasing Practices Policy Committee members shall serve staggered two-year terms, except for the initial year of operation, when several members will be appointed to one-year terms. Student members shall serve one-year terms. Committee members will be appointed by the President, who will also appoint the chair. Members shall include three staff 
members from such areas as Bookstore, Athletics, and Student Life, one faculty member, a member of one of the campus staff/faculty unions, and two students. Members may be reappointed for two additional terms.