One day seven or eight years ago in Bangkok, Joe Falcone began to feel an uncomfortable sensation of futility. The grandson of garment workers, he had been working in Asiaâ??s clothing factories for nearly a decade, making certain they complied with labor and environmental laws.
The idea was to assure American consumers their apparel and shoes were not made in sweatshops. But, as Mr. Falcone recalled in a recent interview, he had come to wonder if the laws were strong enough.
Quoted: Dawn Crim, a special assistant to the chancellor at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, was one administrator persuaded by Mr. Falconeâ??s sales pitch.
â??Our chancellor has always said to find the best supplier who makes the best product in a fair way and give him a chance,â? said Ms. Crim, whose responsibilities include licensing. â??Weâ??re always on the lookout for a company that can operate in an ethical way.â?