Ohio University will continue its relationship with Russell Athletic, even as other major universities cut ties with the company because of alleged mistreatment of unionized workers.
The collegiate apparel producer announced the closing of its Jerzees de Honduras factory in Choloma, Honduras in October, citing economic reasons.
A month later, the Worker Rights Consortium, a watchdog organization, released a report accusing Russell of closing in response to the unionization of its workers.
The Fair Labor Association, a nonprofit organization, released its own findings in January, which concluded that Russell's decision to close was the result of the rapidly declining demand for fleece products.
The report also stated that threats were made to union leaders and supporters, and that Russell violated the freedom of association rights.
We are aware of the serious nature of the issues surrounding their operations abroad
said OU Athletics in a written statement. It is our opinion that Russell should be allowed sufficient time to review and address these issues which it is in the process of doing.
Western Kentucky University, Princeton University, Georgia Tech and the universities of Georgia and Florida have also stated that they will remain with Russell, while more than 10 universities, including Pennsylvania State University and Duke University, have ended their contracts.
OU Athletics signed a five-year contract worth $1.3 million with Russell in 2007. The agreement makes Russell the official team uniform and apparel provider for OU and gives them exclusive rights to all apparel for the university's varsity teams and coaches.
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Caitlin Bowling
