Nike clarifies<\/p>\n
I am writing in response to an article published in The
\nJakarta Post on April 25. The article, Workers still in search of
\nadequate attention, includes factual inaccuracies and fails to
\ninclude a number of key points related to Nike's presence in
\nIndonesia.<\/p>\n
Nike has a long and valued relationship with the people and
\ncountry of Indonesia. As a customer of many contract factories
\nwhich together employ over 100,000 workers, Nike is proud to
\ncontribute to the creation of valued jobs for Indonesian
\ncitizens.<\/p>\n
As a concerned and responsible customer, Nike works with
\ncompanies that manufacture our products to continuously improve
\nthe environment for people who work in these factories.
\nUnfortunately, numerous inaccuracies in the article may result in
\nyour readers being misinformed on this topic. The following
\ninformation should help to set the record straight.
\n* Nike is not a manufacturing company. Nike is a company that
\nspecializes in the design, development and marketing of high
\nquality sports products. Nike has developed valued relationships
\nwith companies that specialize in manufacturing. It is these
\ncompanies, contract manufacturers, that actually make our
\nproducts.<\/p>\n
As a partner with our contract manufacturers, Nike is
\ncommitted to continuous improvement in the following areas:
\nCompliance with Indonesia's labor laws, payment of wage levels at
\nor above national or regional requirements and compliance with
\nNike's code of conduct. Nike compliance staff, along with non-
\ngovernmental organizations, multilateral institutions and others
\ncontinuously work with factories on these and other important
\nissues, all of which are aimed at benefiting workers.
\n* Recent demonstrations related to Nike's presence in Indonesia
\nfollowed a difficult decision by Nike to stop working with one
\nmanufacturing company. Workers demonstrated primarily because
\nthey valued their jobs and were concerned about their future.<\/p>\n
In fact, while Nike had no legal responsibility to the
\nemployees of PT Doson, Nike did take action for the benefit of
\nDoson's workers. As a concerned customer, Nike strongly
\nencouraged PT Doson to fulfill its legally mandated requirements
\nfor severance payments to displaced workers. In addition, Nike
\ntook steps to assist PT Doson workers during this transition.
\nNike worked with several non-governmental organizations and
\nothers to develop and deliver a series of programs to assist
\ndisplaced workers during their transition. These programs
\nincluded continuing medical care for workers, plus a training
\nprogram to provide workers with new skills.
\n* Nike has never stated that the company is moving production to
\nVietnam or China due to higher wages in Indonesia. Many factors,
\nincluding customer demand for certain products, impact where Nike
\nproducts are manufactured.<\/p>\n
While Nike does not agree with a number of comments in the
\narticle, I was encouraged to see Minister Jacob's comments about
\nthe commitment to training and education for workers. Such steps
\nwill raise the level of awareness of workers on their rights and
\nresponsibilities.<\/p>\n
JEFF DuMONT, General Manager, Nike Inc., Indonesia, Jakarta<\/p>\n
Note: Our article says Nike is a U.S. footwear company
\ncontracting local partners to manufacture Nike products.
\nConcerning the labor conditions within one of its local partners,
\nthe information was based on past news stories in The Jakarta
\nPost and a study by Global Alliance.<\/p>\n
We also obtained information on the Indonesian partner
\ncompanies from the Ministry of Manpower and Transmigration and
\nits regional offices.<\/p>\n
--Editor<\/p>", "url": "https:\/\/jawawa.id\/newsitem\/nike-clarifies-1447899208", "image": "" }, "sponsor": "Okusi Associates", "sponsor_url": "https:\/\/okusiassociates.com" }