Number
021338
Version
SUBSTITUTE 4
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. HENNINGSEN, RICHARDS AND GORDON
Title
A substitute ordinance relating to the procurement of items of apparel from responsible manufacturers.
Sections
310-17 cr
Analysis
This ordinance provides that all contracting departments shall award contracts in excess of $5000 related to the purchasing, renting, laundering and dry cleaning of items of apparel to contractors and subcontractors who are able to provide for the fulfillment of the contracts from establishments able to demonstrate compliance with all applicable laws regarding wages and benefits, workplace health and safety, forced and child labor and freedom of association. The requirements of this ordinance may be waived under certain conditions.
Body
The Mayor and Common Council of the City of Milwaukee do ordain as follows:
Part 1. Section 310-17 of the code is created to read:
310-17. Procurement of Items of Apparel.
1. PURPOSE. The common council finds that:
a. It is in the city's best interest to procure items of apparel from responsible vendors and manufacturers who provide a safe, non-discriminatory work environment, and who compensate their employes with non-poverty wages.
b. There has been a recent resurgence of exploitive and abusive workplaces in the apparel industry.
c. The apparel and textile industries, in particular, are engaged in practices that result in poverty wages, violations of workers' rights and unsafe and unhealthy working conditions.
d. As a participant in the marketplace, the city chooses to allocate its purchasing dollars to enhance the economic and social well-being of people, while acquiring the best possible quality goods at the lowest cost.
2. DEFINITIONS. In this section:
a. "Apparel" means all items of clothing and cloth produced by weaving, knitting and felting, and shall include uniforms, coveralls, footwear, linens and entrance mats.
b. "Manufacture" means to p...
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