FYI, Nike/Adidas sweatshops

[kristina]

[font size="1" color="#FF0000"]LAST EDITED ON Mar-07-02 AT 05:32PM (Est)[/font][p]This article came to my attention about the deplorable conditions some workers face in "sweatshops" owned by Nike and Adidas. I didn't know of this, and it has caused me to change my patronage of those companies which sadly, I do love. But I personally can't support this until they fix it. Thought you may want to know.

Kristina

Report Says Nike, Adidas Factories Still Sweatshops

http://news.findlaw.com/international/s/20020307/indonesialabourdc.html

 

[Marnie]

Thanks for the info. Unfortunately almost all major American companies have their manufacturing plants in Mexico & third-world countries with deplorable conditions & very low wages. It's a sad truth that's been going on a very long time.

http://www.sweatshopwatch.org
http://wwwlabornet.org
http://www.maquilasolidarity.org
http://www.summersault.com/~agj/clr/ (Campaign for Labor Rights)

I have a BA and MA in sociology; I studied labor practices in south america one year. My professor and his wife carried a huge book with them wherever they went and when they wanted to purchase something, they looked it up to see where & how it was manufactured. It was amazing. If I can remember the name of the book, I'll post it. Nike & Addidas have been in the news a lot, but many other sportswear companies use the same practices.

marnie

 

[cyberfit]

The majority of athletic shoes are made in China. Most of us are aware of China's poor record concerning human rights issues. I did purchase a pair of shoes (Brooks, I think) last year that were made in America...almost shocking, I know. They turned out to be an ill fit for my feet. Alas, I am back to buying Asian import models. I can't help but wonder what the profit margin must be on some of these very expensive shoes. When you factor in the huge expense of flashy advertising, I guess it really cuts into profit. Too bad the manufacturers don't put that money into the welfare of their employees by giving them decent wages and benefits. I guess Michael Jordan has to make a living too.

I do look at labels when I purchase products (clothing and otherwise), and I am always happy when I purchase an item made in America, although, even that is not a guarentee that the item was manuufactured under the best conditions.

I do believe in capitalism, but there is an issue of exploitation of cheap labor in third world countries and as a production worker in America, it pains me.

 

[kristina]

RE: Wow

Thanks for the information, Marnie. I am definitely going to educate myself on this issue about which, sadly, I am woefully ignorant. I would love it if you could find the name of that book. I am a big believer in actions speaking louder than words. I haven't stepped foot in an MGM Casino property for years after they did something that really bothered me on principle, and it really hurts when some of my favorite performers, like Bette Midler, perform there and it is very hard to stand by my convictions and not give in and say "what difference does it make if I boycott this gazillion dollar conglomerate" Thanks again.