North Olmstead, OH Resolution Concerning Sweatshops

Type: Resolution

Status: Adopted in 1997

Source File: http://www.oshadata.com/fsolmstd.htm

Text:

A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION IN ITS POLICY OF PURCHASING, LEASING, RENTING OR TAKING ON CONSIGNMENT GOODS FOR USE AND FOR RESALE BY CITY-OWNED ENTERPRISES THAT ARE PRODUCED UNDER DECENT WORKING CONDITIONS AND DECLARING AN EMERGENCY, AS AMENDED.

WHEREAS, the current administration has established a policy of not purchasing, leasing, renting or taking on consignment goods for use or for resale at city-owned enterprises which were produced under harsh or "sweatshop" conditions, and

WHEREAS, it is the desire of this council to support the right of citizens around the world to work in a safe and healthy workplace at reasonable compensation by not purchasing products made under sweatshop conditions.

NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF NORTH OLMSTED, COUNTY OF CUYAHOGA AND STATE OF OHIO:

Section 1: The following points shall be used by the administration to qualify goods as not being produced under sweatshop conditions:

A. Child Labor. The factory does not employ anybody younger than the legal age for children to work in the country in which the factory is located, and regardless of the legal age, does not employ anybody younger than age 15.

B. Forced labor. The factory does not use forced labor of any kind--prison labor, indentured labor or bonded labor.

C. Wages and benefits. The factory pays a wage which enables its employees to meet their basic needs for food, shelter, clothing and medical care and to set aside money for future purchases. The factory also provides all benefits required by law in their country and compensates workers for overtime.

D. Hours of work. Employees are not required to work more than 48 hours per weekly or less if the law of the country in which the factory is located sets a shorter work week.

E. Worker rights. The factory is a workplace free from physical, sexual or verbal harassment. Employees have the right to speak up about conditions in the factory without fear of retaliation and have the right to form unions of their own choosing without employer intimidation.

F. Health and safety. The factory provides a safe and healthy working environment.

These standards must be communicated to every worker, supervisor and manager in the factory, orally and in writing, in the language understood by each person.

Section 2: That the city is prohibited, to the extent possible, from purchasing, leasing, renting or taking on consignment goods for use or for resale at city-owned enterprises which were produced under sweatshop conditions. The administration shall maintain a policy of evaluating suppliers products concerning the working conditions under which the products are manufactured.

Section 3: That the administration is directed to notify the city's suppliers of this policy in writing and to inquire about the working conditions under which their goods are produced. To the extent possible, goods from suppliers who will not state that their products are not made under sweatshop conditions will not be purchased.

Section 4: That this resolution is hereby declared to be an emergency measure immediately necessary for the preservation of the public health, safety and welfare of the people of the City of North Olmsted and further provided the affirmative vote of two-thirds of all members of Council, it shall take effect and be in force immediately upon its passage and approval by the Mayor.