University of California Code of Conduct

The University of California supports humane, safe, equitable, and enforceable labor standards in the manufacture of products bearing the university’s name and other trademarks.  In August 1998, UC became one of the few universities across the nation to adopt a Code of Conduct (Code) for its trademark licensees who manufacture clothing and other products bearing the UC name, logos, or other trademarks.  In January 2000, UC furthered its commitment to worker rights by issuing a strengthened Code.

In particular, the Code requires licensees and their contractors to provide equitable payment for work, to comply with environmental, health and safety laws, and to allow freedom of association.  All University licensees are required to adhere to this Code.  The complete Code may be found at http://www.ucop.edu/ucophome/coordrev/policy/1-05-00code.pdf and the accompanying Interim Administrative Guidelines are available at http://www.ucop.edu/ucophome/coordrev/policy/6-19-00code-guide.html

The University of California is a member of two organizations which support workers’ rights and help to monitor UC’s Code of Conduct for Trademark Licensees:
The Worker Rights Consortium (WRC): http://www.workersrights.org
The Fair Labor Association (FLA):  http://www.fairlabor.org

In addition, all University licensees are required to become members of the Fair Labor Association (FLA).  The FLA monitors working conditions at manufacturing facilities and proposes ways to improve conditions. http://www.fairlabor.org 

On May 5, 2006, President Robert C. Dynes announced that the University of California would implement the Designated Suppliers Program (DSP).  For the text of President Dynes’ message and statement, please go to http://www.ucop.edu/ucophome/coordrev/policy/PP050506.pdf

For more information on the DSP, go to http://www.workersrights.org 

Please check this page periodically, as we will continue to post information on this important topic as it becomes available.