The University of Connecticut - The Daily Campus By Garrett Gianneschi - September 2, 2010
A new, socially conscious clothing brand is looking to redefine the way international manufacturers do business. They are requesting your help.
Alta Gracia, a Dominican Republic-based company, is the first and only collegiate logo apparel manufacturer who pay their workers a “living wage,” not just the minimum wage, according to Joe Bozich, CEO of Knights Apparel, the sponsoring company.
“A living wage takes into account the cost of adequate food, clothing, shelter, health care and education for the worker and their family,” said Bozich in a teleconference yesterday. “The minimum wage is government specified and does not take all these factors into account. “This comes out to be about three times higher than the expected workers pay [minimum wage]. Put into the US dollar, we pay workers about $500 per month instead of the minimum $140 per month.”
“The only way this business model can work is if buyers respond to it,” said Bozich.
The company’s teleconference with reporters comes near the arrival of their products at university bookstores around the nation. Alta Gracia clothing is set to arrive at the Co-Op in September, according to the Alta Gracia website.
The Dominican Republic-based company has been used as a standard of business conduct by Teresa Cheng, international campaigns coordinator for United Students Against Sweatshops. Read Full Story Here
