Students tell Nike: 'Just stop it'

Students tell Nike: 'Just stop it'

MELBOURNE — Twenty students held a mock fashion parade outside the Nike Superstore during the lunchtime rush on May 10. The protesters were in calico bags emblazoned with the words, "I'd rather wear a bag than wear Nike", and T-shirts with "Slavery" printed on them.

Hundreds of passers-by took leaflets detailing the abuse of Nike workers in Asian factories and outworkers in Australia. "The action was a huge success", said Jordy Hunter, women's officer for the National Union of Students. "Shoppers were very interested ... It's going to be very difficult for Nike to uphold its image as a fair player when people learn the truth about its real corporate ethos."

The action was part of a campaign against Nike's exploitation of workers that will culminate during a Federal Court hearing of an action between Nike and the Textile, Clothing and Footwear Union of Australia in Melbourne on June 6-7. There will be a "Boycott Nike on Campus" day on June 11.

For more information, contact Jordy Hunter on (03) 9347 7744 or Pamela Curr from the Fairwear Campaign on 0417 517 075.

From GLW issue 405