Taking A Look At Nike And Child Labor

What is social responsibility in the eyes of the corporate world? Everyday we are confronted with evidence that supports that corporate America has lost its inner voice and will enact any injustice in the pursuit of money. In 1964 Blue Ribbon Sports (BRS) was founded by Phil Knight and Bill Bowerman. "The company rebranded as Nike in 1972"(hoovers 2015) and was named after the Greek goddess of victory. Nike is known by their iconic logo, the swoosh mark "designed by a graduate student named Carolyn Davidson, who was paid $35." (hoovers 2015).Designing and developing multiple products such as men's and women's running, basketball and soccer (football) shoes to products for children, recreational activities, such as golf, tennis and walking Nike

In 1996 Life Magazine published an article on child labor, this article contained a photograph of a 12-year old boy stitching together a Nike soccer ball. Devastating to Nike's brand name.The article published in life magazine along with the photo caused another wave of criticism against Nike. This was a "critical event" for Nike's understanding of “globalization, international labor standards, and corporate responsibility,” according to Maria Eitel, the Vice President and Senior Advisor for Corporate Responsibility at Nike.(CITE). Health and safety problems in Vietnam. In 1997 As a consultant to the United Nations Industrial Development Organization in Vietnam, the Ernst and Young firm visited the Tae Kwang Vina plant three times, and interviewed workers in confidence away from the factory. The conclusions of their audit were shocking they found that workers were forced overtime, minimum of 10.5 work hour days and 6 days a week. Sexual harassment, " Korean manager allegedly attempted to rape two women workers last year, and then fled the country." (Rourke) physical and verbal abuse and threats to be fired immediately if strikes

In 1992 during the Low wages accusations Nike published a code of conduct stating that Nike was built on the principles of trust, teamwork, honesty, and mutual respect and those traits were expected of it business partners. which was to be posted in all factories partnered with the company. In late 1996 and early 1997 Nike truly began to acknowledge the working conditions of factories overseas. The company turned to an outside source, Andrew Young, former mayor of Atlanta and active civil right leader to conduct an independent evaluation of Nike's Code of Conduct. Young found that while some problems do exist Nikes does treat their employees generally fair. The conclusions of Youngs report are as followed. "Nike should implement the provisions of the Apparel Industry Partnership, Nike should explain and enforce their Code of Conduct, Nike should promote the development of "worker representatives, Nike should expand its dialogue with the human rights community and labor groups within the countries where they produce goods, Nike should consider "external monitoring."