Nike Sweatshops

by christopherhunter

Nike, one of the world’s top clothing brands, has been constantly accused of using sweatshops for cheap labour. Historically, Nike sweatshop workers have been exposed to hazardous working conditions, harmful materials, and abuse from employers. This unethical way of producing product through cheap means brings up an interesting question: can high profile companies like Nike get away with using sweatshop labour without stirring up controversy? Unfortunately for Nike, the answer seems to be no. For several years, Nike has been targeted by campaigners because it “… was the world’s best selling brand and initially it denied any malpractice that may be taking place in its sub-contractor factories”. Nike has recently responded productively to this criticism. The corporation today operates with a transparency that would have been unthinkable when the company was first dogged by allegations of using sweatshops. Nike has been working extensively through “corporate social responsibility programs and by requiring contractors to accept its stiffened codes of conduct and leadership standard”. The company does, however, insist that it still cannot constantly supervise contract factories it does not own or manage. Hopefully in the future, a more strict set of rules will be implemented to protect these factory workers.

Sources:

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/green-living-blog/2012/jul/06/activism-nike

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/world/one-man-crusade-to-end-nike-sweatshops-pays-off/story-e6frg6so-1226249797772