SEND NIKE A MESSAGE
Sweatshop store on the Boardwalk? Rumor has it
that the Nike Corporation is planning to open a chain store on Ocean Front Walk
(at the historic house at 523 OFW). Up until now the Beach has been free of
chain store pollution. What’s next? McDonald’s?
Starbucks?
Nike sweatshop practices
around the world have been documented by a number of organizations, including
Global Exchange, Oxfam, National Labor Committee and others.
Philip
Knight
CEO, Nike
Corporation
One Bowerman
Drive
Beaverton, OR
97005
We, the undersigned, thank you
for your interest in Venice, but we will not welcome a chain store from a giant
corporation that is known for its sweatshops around the
world.
We are deeply concerned about
ongoing problems in factories in Indonesia, China, and Vietnam that produce Nike
shoes. Problems include inadequate pay, forced overtime and abusive treatment of
factory workers.
We believe Nike has a
responsibility to abide by humane labor practices as defined by their code of
conduct that clearly states, "In the areas of human rights... in the communities
in which we do business -- we seek to do not only what is required, but what is
expected of a leader."
Nike, with its
tremendous financial resources, should and must do better. We call on Nike to
pay a living wage to its workers in every country. We ask that you institute
independent monitoring by respected local groups that meet regularly with
workers.
We urge you to take these
actions quickly to avoid further trauma to the workers who make your products
and further erosion of Nike’s reputation. Demonstrate a real commitment to
fair labor practices by becoming a “leader” in the fight against the
proliferation of global
sweatshops.
Sincerely,
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Posted: Sun - September 1, 2002 at 06:59 PM