Sweatfree Procurement Advisory Group - August 19, 2022 - Minutes
SWEATFREE PROCUREMENT ADVISORY GROUP
Minutes from the August 19, 2022 Meeting
MEMBERS PRESENT: Coyote Codornices Marin (Vice-Chair), John Logan, Jason Oringer, Joyce Kimotsuki
MEMBERS EXCUSED: Conchita Lozano-Batista (Chair),
CITY STAFF PRESENT: Hallie Albert (OLSE), Pat Mulligan (OLSE), Shawn Peeters (OCA), Sailaja Kurella (OCA)
CALL TO ORDER/INTRODUCTIONS
- ADOPTION OF TELECOMMUTE RESOLUTION
Motion to adopt the resolution regarding approval to continue telecommute approved unanimously.
- ADOPTION OF AGENDA
The order of the agenda was switched to moved WRC update to the fifth spot and then the Agenda was approved unanimously.
- PUBLIC COMMENTS FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
There was no public comment
Motion to approve after correcting typo in section four and approved unanimously.
- WRC UPDATE
Ben Hensler presented a summary of WRC’s findings regarding the inspection of the RJ Torres factory in the Dominican Republic (DR). Fechheimer is the vendor and supplier and arranged access to the factory, which is manufacturing uniforms for SFMTA.
For the first time, WRC used a live-stream to conduct the Health and Safety inspection with an expert directing the on-site inspection. Confidential worker interviews were conducted in person.
WRC found that RJ Torres, a family owned company, is paying the Dominican Republic legal minimum wage but not the non-poverty wage standard required by the Sweatfree ordinance. They are also mandating workers to work a ninth hour when local law states it has to be agreed to. They are currently attempting to determine if the factory can demonstrate that the extra hour is voluntary. There were indications that verbal abuse and sexual harassment occur at the factory and there are also freedom of association concerns.
The health and safety inspection determined problems with wiring, emergency exits, temperature, combustible materials, noise levels, guards on sewing machines, eye-wash stations and ergonomics. The factory did not dispute and immediately corrected the issues or began the process to do so.
WRC sent the report to Fechheimer, Muscatellos and RJ Torres and will develop a plan on remediation.
The group had a discussion on how RJ Torres can increase wages to meet the non-poverty rate. John Logan asked about the conditions at RJ Torres compared to other factories in the DR and Hensler explained this is an average factory there. Hensler believes it is feasible for Fechheimer to adjust the rates to allow RJ Torres to pay the non-poverty wage standard and although it would impact their contracting with San Francisco, it would be minimal.
Jason Oringer asked if RJ Torres was aware of 12-U and Hensler said unlikely as they were very surprised by the non-poverty wage standard.
Hensler then provided an update on the inspection WRC did for Madison, WI of a factory in Vietnam that WRC inspected for San Francisco in 2019. The factory made the proposed corrections and adjusted the wage rates. WRC will provide the update once complete. Oringer would like to highlight this example to show the public and contractors how the work the SPAG/WRC has done is effective. Hensler will check with Madison and OLSE as to whether publishing about the joint effort is acceptable.
6. OCA UPDATE
Shawn Peeters said bidding is happening for DPH on shoes and textiles. The 81700 contract expired but will be bid out again in April 2023. OCA received the 12-U-I forms for the Fire Department.
Peeters needs to generate language to the contractors and will do that by the next meeting so they can proceed with a “temperature check” regarding the proposed contract changes.
7. CONTRACT RECOMMENDATIONS UPDATE
Since Conchita Lozano-Batista was absent, and the temperature check is still outstanding, this agenda item was tabled until the next meeting.
8. POTENTIAL ITEMS FOR FUTURE AGENDAS
Same items as August except WRC.