Just do it, Nike!
By John Gauci
SYDNEY — According to the footwear giant Nike's "Informed Consumer Update", Nike's factory workers in the Third World sometimes earn more than doctors and engineers in their countries. As well, Nike's policy of "zero tolerance" ensures that no abuse of any worker in a Nike factory is permitted.
This is news to the six trade union leaders from the Yota Megah Company in Indonesia, who were recently sacked for organising protests against the exploitation of workers in Nike factories.
Nike distributes this sort of misinformation in an attempt to counter the wealth of data exposing the company's appalling record in its Third World factories.
On Saturday, April 18, an international day of action against the atrocious working conditions in Nike's Third World sweatshops was called by the US-based Campaign for Labour Rights. Action in Solidarity with Indonesia and East Timor (ASIET) organised a Sydney speak-out with activists from Nike Watch, the Fairwear Campaign and Resistance. Roving pickets targeted Nike outlets and shoppers were serenaded by the Anti-Nike Sweatshop Choir.
More than 50 activists gathered at Sydney Town Hall for the speak-out. Speakers highlighted Nike's reluctance to introduce provisions to ensure that workers producing Nike products are paid a living wage. Other demands included allowing Nike workers to join the union of their choice and that working conditions are consistent with human dignity.
Hundreds of leaflets outlining Nike's practises were distributed and many people eager to be involved in future actions added their names to ASIET's contact lists.
It is no coincidence that transnationals like Nike, Adidas and Reebok choose to manufacture their products in countries ruled by brutal dictators like Indonesia's Suharto. It is also no coincidence that these repressive regimes are enthusiastically backed by the likes of John Howard and Bill Clinton, who act on the behalf of Australian and US big business.
Those wishing to voice their outrage against Nike's sweatshops can contact Nike by telephone at (03) 9292 9333 or fax at (03) 9292 9444. One of the most effective ways to combat the exploitation of poor people by companies like Nike is to support the organisations leading the struggles for democratic change.
The People's Fighting Fund has been initiated by ASIET to support the People's Democratic Party in their struggle for democracy in Indonesia. To contribute to the fund or obtain more information, telephone the ASIET national office in Sydney on (02) 9690 1032 or visit the ASIET web page at