For many years, Nike has been accused of using sweatshops to produce footwear and apparel. Jim Keady is a student who investigated the issue by experiencing the Nike workers’ way of life. In the video link below, he describes the heartbreaking living conditions, and the unrealistic financial budget they had to endure. The video is quite unbelievable, even though it’s a bit long I urge you to watch it!
What I found most surprising is how the workers were mistreated and threatened by their employers. The video revealed a side of Nike that I never even imagined existed.
After watching the whole documentary, the only think I could think of is how immoral and unethical this company truly is. Other than the humanitarian aspect, I believe it has completely destroyed Nike’s brand image, at least it has for me. Judging by the way I personally felt I expect you all changed your view of this brand, if not completely maybe slightly. This reflects how critical it is for a company to act ethically and humanely. This hit on Nike’s reputation must have had an effect on sales and profits as well. Furthermore, it shows the impact of pressure groups on companies or organizations, and the extent to which they can affect the consumer’s perception of the brand and their loyalty to it; and thus, altering preferences and behaviour.
Here’s the link! “Behind the Swoosh” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3eIgHx_4iJo
- Sweatshops: a shop or factory in which employees work for long hours at low wages and under unhealthy conditions (Retrieved from:http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sweatshop)