California State University, Northridge - Daily Sundial By Jackie Holmes - September 26, 2010
A new line of clothing is being sold at CSUN’s Matador Bookstore but unlike the numerous clothes that already line the racks, this clothing line is much different.
Alta Gracia, the new brand of clothing, is made in a factory that pays the workers a living wage, enough money to provide for adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care and education for their families.
“This can truly be a way out of poverty and can be life-changing,” said Joe Bozich, CEO of Knights Apparel, the sponsoring company of Alta Gracia, in a call conference.
Bookstores all around the country are carrying the new clothing line in their stores in hopes of making a difference, as stated in a press release.
“This exciting new offering will enable students, their families, and alumni to buy T-shirts and fleeces made at a factory that pays its workers a living wage, fully respects their associational rights, and meets or exceeds all university labor standards,” said Amy Berger, director of the Matador Bookstore.
The Alta Gracia factory is based in the Dominican Republic and named after Villa Altagracia
where the factory is located. The brand chose the Dominican Republic because there was a previous factory there that had lost jobs and the owners saw that there was some expertise there, Bozich said. They had originally wanted to do it in Haiti, but because of the infrastructure could not do it, he said.
The workers get about three times more than the minimum wage in the Dominican Republic, Bozich said. There are currently about 125 people employed but there is room to expand if the demand is there, said Donnie Hodge, president of Knights Apparel in a call conference. Read Full Story Here
