Nike report focuses on labor problems in China

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/biz/archives/2008/03/15/2003405686

CHALLENGES: The shoe manufacturer said its facilities in the country were battling issues common in other places, while critics claimed it was weak on labor rights

AP, PORTLAND, OREGON
Saturday, Mar 15, 2008, Page 11

Despite recent changes to worker rights laws in China, Nike Inc says it still finds significant labor challenges there.

In the company's first corporate responsibility report focused solely on China, the athletic footwear and apparel giant listed a number of problems, including inadequate management, excessive overtime and workers using false documents to seek employment.

Nike said it decided to release a country-specific report because this year's Olympics in Beijing is attracting so much attention to China.

Nike spokesman Alan Marks said the problems highlighted in the report are "consistent with the problems we face globally."

But the report also states that "corporate responsibility is a relatively new, rapidly evolving business practice in China. Adoption and understanding vary widely."

China is crucial to Nike -- roughly one of every three pairs of Nike shoes sold worldwide are made there. The company has 180 contract manufacturers employing more than 210,000 workers there, primarily young women who have moved from China's countryside into the cities.

FULL story at link.