Catholic school takes silent stand for workers' rights

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Teams cover logos of athletic uniform makers to protest unsafe working conditions.



The uniforms with the logo covered by a Jerusalem Cross patch.

Adam Tamburin, The Tennessean 7:57 a.m. EDT September 27, 2013

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Football players at Father Ryan High School hitting the gridiron in Friday night's homecoming game will have their eyes fixed on the end zone, but officials at the Catholic school see stakes higher than winning and losing on the field.

Purple-and-white patches showing the Jerusalem cross have been sewn onto the players' jerseys and pants, covering logos for the apparel companies that made them.

Administrators say the patches will keep students from advertising apparel companies with "abhorrent labor practices." The school is adding patches to every branded athletic uniform issued this academic year.

The patch initiative was spurred by a visit from workers' rights advocate Jim Keady, who spoke in February about unjust labor practices in factories that make many of the big-name apparel brands that Father Ryan has used for athletic uniforms.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/09/27/catholic-school-protest-workers-rights/2881901/

[beemer27]

1. Wonderful Idea

This idea could be used on all sports logos and brand names. I always wondered why I should have to wear free advertising on my clothing. If you want me to advertise for you, pay me, or give me a substantial price break. The school is making a statement that they are not supporting worker exploitation in third world factories. They should also mention that they expect the companies to pay if they want the positive brand exposure that a team can provide. Many of these companies have been getting a free ride for too long.

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2. Somebody could make some money by selling union made adhesive patches.