Tell the U of C to respect workers rights at home and abroad!


------------------------------------------------------
THREE EVENTS NEXT WEEK!
I.  On Campus Teach-in with Jessica Ponce, former sweatshop worker and union organizer this Monday
II.  Delegation with Jessica Ponce Tuesday to Sara Lee Corporate Headquarters
III.  University of Chicago Workers Speak Out - Community Forum Thursday
--------------------------------------------------------


I.  STOP SARA LEE SWEATSHOPS!!!

James Crown, chairman of the University of Chicago Board of Trustees has been on the board of directors of Sara Lee since 1998.  Come Hear Jessica Ponce speak about the international campaign to force Sara Lee to abide by its own ethical standards and take responsibility for treatment of workers in its' Coahuila maquiladoras!

MONDAY April 26th

COBB HALL
5811 S. Ellis Ave
7 pm

(room number will be posted, refreshments & snacks will be provided)
--------------------------------------------------



II.  In addition to the teach-in on Monday, there will be a delegation to the offices of James Crown, and to Sara Lee corporate headquarters.

Delegation at 3:45 pm Tuesda April 27th
Henry Crown & Co. 222 N La Salle

then we'll head to
Sara Lee Corporate Headquarters
70 West Madison, Chicago

Sign the following letter to Sara Lee regarding anti-union activity at their directly owned Coahuila maquiladoras.  The workers at the Monclova factory will be facing union elections soon which may be marred by violence from management thugs. If we get Sara Lee nervous on an international level, we can help reduce the violence and increase the democracy in the union election!


Mr. Cary D. McMillan
CEO, Sara Lee Branded Apparel Division

Dear Mr. McMillan:

We write to tell you that we are watching the developments at Sara Lee's Coahuila, Mexico factories with great interest.  Workers at these factories have faced hazardous health conditions, low wages, and other work
issues that have prompted a union organizing drive.  We trust and hope that the management on the ground at these factories will not try to interfere with the decision-making of the workers in any way.

Students throughout the country have had a lot of success in making the apparel sold on our campuses "sweat-free."  We are pleased and proud that many universities make their licensing decisions contingent upon respect for workers' democratic labor rights in the factories where products are made.

We are ready to help the workers in Coahuila defend their right to collectively bargain and choose a third party to represent them in negotiation according to the international human rights standards set forth by the Geneva Convention.  We hope that Sara Lee's international
management will make the choice to ensure that workers' rights are respected at all sub-contracted and directly owned production sites across the world so we can know that your products are "sweat-free" if our universities choose to sell them.

Sincerely,

USAS webpage: www.usasnet.org
--------------------------------------------------



III.University of Chicago Workers Speak Out

7:00 Thursday April 29, 2004

Cobb Lecture Hall
5811 S. Ellis Avenue


Nurses Demand Respect

The UC Hospital nurses have been in contract talks since October, 2003.   Recently, they rejected what the Hospital called its “final offer.”  On April 7, they voted overwhelmingly to authorized a strike if the Hospital does not change its offer.  This Thursday, nurses from the Hospital will meet with students and community members to explain their position.  The nurses demand fair wages, decent working conditions, and respect.


University laborers speak about labor

Not only nurses face deplorable labor conditions at the University of Chicago.   Thursday’s event will include speakers employed by the University as staff and graduate students who face increasing poverty as health care costs rise.   Others who wish to voice their views are welcome to attend.


hosted by Students Organized and United with Labor (SOUL)