What does a Code of Conduct look like?

A code of conduct is a statement that details how a corporation will act, in this case regarding the rights of the workers that produce its products. Global Exchange, Sweatshop Watch, and United Students Against Sweatshops, have all worked to create one of the most comprehensive and strict codes of conduct. It includes provisions for a living wage, public disclosure of factory locations, independent monitoring, and specific women's rights.

How can I get my school to pass a strong code of conduct?

• Get some friends/activists together to educate yourselves on the issues (see links and the campaign starter kit on this page) and form an anti-sweatshop task force.

• Find out about your school's purchasing system--licensing,/contracting,/direct purchase, who makes the purchases, how much money is spent, from what companies, etc.

• Talk to administrators, ascertain their willingness to adopt the code, and work out tactics depending on what's needed. Remember that educating and mobilizing your campus is critical so that you have the people power to demand change if it is otherwise denied.

My school joined the FLA--what does that mean and is there anything I need to do?

The Fair Labor Association (FLA) was established in 1999 by several companies such as Nike and Liz Claiborne, and some NGOs. By signing on, your school has agreed to follow the FLA code of conduct and enforce those standards upon the manufacturers of university apparel. However, there are many criticisms of the FLA. The FLA code does not include provisions for a living wage, full public disclosure and comprehensive women's rights, and the monitors are chosen by the companies themselves,

Some students are trying to get their universities to withdraw from the FLA and join with other universities interested in establishing a more 'worker-friendly' system. Other students are pressuring their universities to work from within the FLA to improve the standard.

Do I have to stop buying my school's apparel?

No--the goal is not to reduce sales but to improve workers' conditions. There may be times later on, however, when you will want to have a carefully organized, short-term boycott of either all school or specific company products. In these events, make sure that your demands are clear and reasonable so that the workers' jobs are not endangered.