Duke Adopts Designated Suppliers Program
Duke was one of the first Universities to adopt a new program that provides a mechanism to ensure working rights in factors that produce Duke Liscened goods--your campus sweatshirt, ballcap, collared shirt, etc. In 1998 Duke became the first school to adopt of a Code of Conduct for licensees. Because of student activism, Duke remains a leader in the fight against sweatshop-produced collegiate apparel. This new program requires that workers in factories which produce for Duke must have representation, such as a union or some other worker body, and must be paid a living wage!

More info on the national campaign: Workers Rights Consortium

News: Duke bolsters policy against sweatshops, Duke Press Release,Duke signs new apparel policy, SAS's work pays off, A laudable endeavor, Fair weather fans,

Angelica Workers Organize with UNITE-HERE
From the time the Duke Univerisity Health System laundry facility was outsourced in April of 2004, the workers at the factory struggled to improve the rapidly deteriorating conditions. As they fought for a voice on the job, the management wage a starch anti-union campaign. Duke SAS met with Angelica workers, attended union meetings, held demonstrations on campus, and demanded that our University tell Angelica Laundry to allow the workers to unionize by the method of their choosing. The workers wanted a fairer and faster process by which to decide on unionization, one that greatly deters managerial anti-union campaigning, but Duke administration refused to listen to the workers who spoke with them. Throughout the country, workers threatened to strike, some went on wildcat strikes, and owing to the workers' determination and strength, the Angelica corporation conceded to thier demands. The Duke Laundry workers won thier union in the summer of 2005.

News: Duke faces union dilemma with Angelica, Workers, supporters criticize corporation,Outsource draws ire from Duke students, Angelica protest hits quad, Workers, supporters criticize corporation, Duke's dirty laundry,Workers' rights need recognition, Health and Safety Major Issue of UNITE Organizing Campaign, Laundry has them in lather, Duke students try to 'foil' laundry deal,Tuesday's Angelica protest was appropriate, Laundry workers expect strike, Laundry workers put off strike; talks continue, Angelica strikes deal with union, Angelica, union reach agreement

Other Previous Campaigns AD (fall 2005)

Following the victory of the farmworkers organizing with FLOC, Duke SAS took out the above ad in the Duke Chronicle outline where we have been and where we are going. Since then, the works at Angelica laundry have won their union, and Duke lead the way and adopted the first university stance on the industry changing phase-out of the multi-fiber agreement. However, this policy lacked needed mechanisms to ensure that companies wont cut-and-run from factories with an organized workforce and improved working conditions. In the Spring of 2006, this problem was addressed with the new Designated Suppliers Program which will provide the opposite incentative for corporations--to award their sourcing from factories where workers have a voice on the job and are paid a living wage. Next up: expanding these rights to all workers who work to make Duke work.

News on the historic NC farmworkers' victory:Duke lifts boycott of pickle company, Officials consider whether to boycott Mt. Olive pickles,Protesters: 'Say no to Mt. Olive', A Resolution of the National Council of the Churches, Mt. Olive boycott ends after 5 years,