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Duke University Puts New Era on Hold
Taking a stand for New Era Cap Co.’s embattled workers, Duke University has joined the Worker Rights Consortium and delayed the renewal of its contract for ball caps made by the Derby, N.Y., company.
Duke President Nannerl Keohane recently notified New Era’s owners that Duke would not do business with them until they provide independent verification of acceptable labor practices. She said Duke had “received information from Duke students, among others, citing complaints from New Era factory workers who have alleged that unsafe conditions and discrimination have been continuing concerns.”
The New Era workers in Derby, members of CWA Local 14177, have been on strike since July over severe wage cuts and health and safety issues. Earlier this year, the WRC and United Students Against Sweatshops issued scathing reports on the plant after weeks of investigation. The company faces multiple unfair labor practice charges and OSHA citations.
Workers at New Era’s Buffalo plant, represented by an independent union, voted 215-86 in November to reject a contract offer with a base wage of $9.25 an hour. In early December they ratified a similar proposal rather than vote to strike.
Duke President Nannerl Keohane recently notified New Era’s owners that Duke would not do business with them until they provide independent verification of acceptable labor practices. She said Duke had “received information from Duke students, among others, citing complaints from New Era factory workers who have alleged that unsafe conditions and discrimination have been continuing concerns.”
The New Era workers in Derby, members of CWA Local 14177, have been on strike since July over severe wage cuts and health and safety issues. Earlier this year, the WRC and United Students Against Sweatshops issued scathing reports on the plant after weeks of investigation. The company faces multiple unfair labor practice charges and OSHA citations.
Workers at New Era’s Buffalo plant, represented by an independent union, voted 215-86 in November to reject a contract offer with a base wage of $9.25 an hour. In early December they ratified a similar proposal rather than vote to strike.