Nike: 'no guarantee on child labour' (2024)

Nike has admitted it cannot guarantee that its products will not be made using child labour in a report designed to address the accusations that have plagued the company.

After years of accusations from pressure groups that the company exploits its workforce and damages the environment, Nike has put together its first comprehensive and public review of its corporate responsibility practices.

The report includes assessments of Nike's workforce - discussing issues such as health and wages - and the environmental impact and sustainability of its products as well as the company's involvement in local communities.

Nike admits it cannot ensure that none of its contractors will use child labour, and says the issue is the "most vexing" problem it faces.

"Our goal... is to continue to do everything we can to eradicate child labour in our contract factories, but we can be certain that cases will occur," the report states.

Nike says its age standards are the highest in the world - its employees must be at least 18 for making shoes and 16 for clothing and equipment. But instances of child labour have been uncovered through media investigations, notably by Life magazine and the BBC.

The report claims Nike has responded fully to cases of child labour and that it employs a team of people to inspect its factories.

"We believe that only by being truly transparent and sharing what we have learned can we be a successful, global company while learning and improving as a corporate citizen," said Maria Eitel, Nike's vice-president and senior adviser for corporate responsibility.

"Admittedly, this report is incomplete. We are just beginning to truly understand what being a sustainable business means.

"For now, it offers an honest self-assessment of our progress to date and a roadmap for where we are headed in the future," she added.

Nike: 'no guarantee on child labour' (2024)

FAQs

Did Nike get in trouble for child labor? ›

In addition to the sweatshop problem, Nike also got caught in the child labour scandal. In 1996, Life Magazine published an article featuring a photo of a young boy named Tariq from Pakistan, who was reportedly sewing Nike footballs for 60 cents a day.

How did Nike respond to child labour? ›

Nike and child labour had become indelibly linked in the public consciousness. Nike began to take the first steps. It released the names and locations of its factories. It changed elements of its shoe manufacture to reduce hazards to the workers who make them.

Does Nike use fair labor? ›

On a positive note, the company is Fair Labor Association (FLA) Workplace Code of Conduct certified.

When did Nike get in trouble for child labor? ›

In the 1990s, the Portland-based sportswear giant was plagued with damning reports that its global supply chain was being supported by child labor in places like Cambodia and Pakistan, with minors stitching soccer balls and other products as many as seven days a week for up to 16 hours a day.

Do Adidas use child labour? ›

adidas strictly prohibits the use of any form of forced labor or the trafficking in persons across all of our company operations and in our global supply chain. We treat forced labor, human trafficking and slavery with a zero-tolerance approach.

Does H&M use child labor? ›

We take a zero-tolerance approach to both forced labor and child labor.

How was Nike socially responsible? ›

Nike's CSR and corporate governance programs center on providing a healthy and tolerant work environment for all employees. To that end, the company invests in promoting a work environment that celebrates diversity and inclusion.

Does Disney use child labor? ›

While the Walt Disney Company human rights section states that, “we are committed to combating the exploitation of children and therefore prohibit any use of child labor in the manufacture of Disney-branded products,” ("Human Rights") there is a recorded interview of a Chinese worker in China that begged to differ.

What is Nike's stance on labor and human rights? ›

Nike specifically and directly forbids the use of child labor in facilities contracted to make Nike products. The Nike Code of Conduct requires that workers must be at least 16 years of age, or past the national legal age of compulsory schooling and minimum working age, whichever is higher.

What is Nike ethical policy? ›

We adhere to safety, health, environmental protection and labeling requirements for products in compliance with all applicable laws. And we work with the factories that make Nike products to meet our standards for compliance, health, safety and quality.

Are Nike workers laid off? ›

Nike announced that it will lay off approximately 700 workers at its world headquarters by Jan. 8, 2021, according to a filing the company made on Nov.

How did Nike respond to sweatshops? ›

Nike Sweatshop Scandal - Key takeaways

Nike's initial response was to deny its association with unethical practices. However, under the influence of public pressure, the company was forced to take action to resolve cases of its unethical working practices.

What was a major failure for Nike? ›

One of the most glaring issues with the Nike SCM implementation was that the system, which affected the brand's global supply chain, wasn't tested even once before it went live.

When did Nike become environmentally friendly? ›

As early as the '90s, the sportswear giant launched Nike Grind, replaced petroleum-derived solvents with water-based adhesives and began phasing out SF6, a greenhouse gas used in all Air cushioning. Then came recyled polyester World Cup kits, ColorDry running vests, and the advent of Flyknit and Flyleather.

Does Shein use child labor? ›

Our strict Code of Conduct includes policies against child and forced labor and we do not tolerate non-compliance.”

What brands are against child labor? ›

The 12 brands and retailers that have committed to The Centre's Joint Action Pledge for the Elimination of Child Labour include Amazon, ALDI Nord Group, ALDI SOUTH Group, Arena S.P.A, Colosseum, IKEA, Mekong Timber Plantations, Morrisons, REWE Group, VF Corporation and Varner.

Does Walmart use child labour? ›

It was with the intention of preventing abuse in the workplace, especially the use of child labour, that Wal-Mart introduced its code of conduct. It specifically says the company will not deal with any supplier that employs children under age 14.

Does Target use child labor? ›

Target's Standards of Vendor Engagement explicitly articulate our zero-tolerance policy for underage labor.

Does Amazon use child labor? ›

Amazon does not tolerate the use of child labor. Suppliers are required to engage workers who are: (i) at least 15 years old, (ii) the age of completion of compulsory education, or (iii) the minimum age to work in the country where work is performed, whichever is greater.

Does Forever 21 use child labor? ›

Forever 21 insists that all product suppliers ensure that their employees work in safe and healthy environments and that their legal rights are respected and protected. Forever 21 also shares the goal of eliminating child labor and forced labor.

Does Nike use sweatshops? ›

A textile factory in Bangladesh. So where does Nike stand today? According to the ethical clothing advocacy group Good On You, Nike is certified under the Fair Labor Association Workplace Code of Conduct. But a 2018 report by the Clean Clothes Campaign, found that Adidas and Nike still pay “poverty” wages to workers.

What ethical issues has Nike faced? ›

Once Japan got too expensive they looked for another place to put their factories. They then settled in Vietnam, China and Indonesia. Since Nike made these factories in these countries there have been allegations and proof of forced labor, child labor, widespread harassment, poor working conditions and abuse.

How has Nike responded to their ethical problems? ›

NIKE RESPONDS TO CHALLENGES

Nike launched a large public relations campaign to combat the damaging allegations of child labor, inhospitable working conditions, and low or nonexistent wages.

What problems is Nike facing? ›

Nike and other retailers have been facing supply chain headwinds, such as increases in shipping times and costs, and Covid-related store closure disruptions.

Does Victoria's Secret use sweatshops? ›

Victoria's Secret is an American designer, manufacturer, and marketer of women's lingerie, womenswear, and beauty products. They use sweatshops in Jordan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to manufacture their products. Their workers aren't paid enough and work more than 14 hours a day.

Does Apple run sweatshops? ›

Although Apple isn't the only company that has gotten its hands dirty with sweatshop manufacturing and worker abuse, it's a sad reminder that many of Apple's “progressive” policies only go skin deep.

What does Disney do with lost kids? ›

Disneyland Lost Child Protocol

If a Disney Cast Member encounters a lost child under the age of 11 years old, then they are escorted to the Baby Care Center (Disneyland) off the Central Hub at the end of Main Street or the Baby Care Center (Disney California Adventure) in the Pacific Wharf area of the park.

Does Apple use forced labor? ›

Apple has zero tolerance for forced labor. In the more than 50 countries and regions where our suppliers operate, we have teams of experts, including independent third-parties, who monitor our suppliers and put in place industry leading procedures to help ensure that no one is forced to work.

What do Nike believe in? ›

NIKE's mission statement is to bring inspiration and innovation to every athlete in the world.

Does Nike promote equality? ›

Nike is a company of purpose, growth and innovation. As we seek to move the world forward through sport, we believe the success of our teammates drives the success of our business. This is reflected in our ongoing commitment to creating an environment focused on equality, inclusion, empowerment and respect.

Can you get in trouble for making Nike clothes? ›

You can make them fir your own use. But unless you are authorized by the Nike corporation to manufacture and sell Nike products you cannot do so without violating a long list of trademark laws.

What is the Nike company controversy? ›

Nike filed a federal trademark infringement lawsuit Monday against the company that released a controversial customized version of its sneakers in collaboration with the rapper Lil Nas X. The "Old Town Road" artist worked with MSCHF to release "Satan Shoes" on Monday.

What is the meaning of the Nike tick? ›

Nike co-founder Phil Knight was adamant that his company's new logo be a simple design that is fluid and conveys motion and speed. The logo is also said to symbolize the wing of the Greek goddess of victory, Nike.

What was the reason for failure of Nike? ›

Nike's ERP failure

The net impact on its operations were profound: it couldn't properly forecast customer demand and get the right products to the right customers at the right time, which is a big problem for a large consumer products company like Nike.

Does Nike still use sweatshop labor? ›

Throughout the years, Nike is one of those companies that has been linked over and over in various ways to child labor and unsafe conditions in their factories. As recently as 2020, investigations showed that Nike (along with Apple) was linked to forced labor from the Uyghur people in China.

Is it true that Nike has a 2 year warranty? ›

It says: "We stand behind all of our shoes and gear. If your Nike shoes or apparel develop a material or workmanship flaw within two years of the manufacture date, we want to get you back in the game."

Why is Nike suing sneaker customizers? ›

Shoes "materially altered"

Customizers make money either by designing and selling a shoe online or working with clients seeking a specific design. For Nike, that's a problem. When someone customizes a shoe, it is "materially altered in ways neither Nike nor our partners approved or authorized," the company said.

Do Nike employees have to wear Nike? ›

You can only wear nike at work. The good thing about it is you get free cloths and free pair of sneakers to work in. What is the uniform requirement at NIKE?

Why is Nike being removed from stores? ›

Nike has been reducing the number of traditional retailers it sells to over the past few years. Instead, Nike has shifted sales to its own shops, websites and mobile apps, along with select stores, to take more of a direct-to-consumer business approach.

What is Nike's biggest threat? ›

Nike's Threats – External Strategic Factors. Counterfeit Products – Counterfeit products can significantly affect the revenue and reputation of Nike. The company deals globally and the risk of counterfeit products has become higher. A number of merchandisers and retailers offer counterfeit Nike products at lower prices ...

What is the hidden message in the Nike logo? ›

Did you know Nike's logo has a hidden message? Not many do! The famous swoosh used by the company represents one of the wings of 'Nike,' the Greek goddess of victory.

Do Nike shoes have ticks on both sides? ›

It depends on the shoe. Various Nike shoes can have the tick on either the left or right side, both sides, or have stylized versions of the tick in other positions as well.

Why is the Nike logo upside down? ›

Traditionally Nike used the swoosh logo in a manner that the end of the swoosh would always be pointing towards the heel end of the sneaker. The backward swoosh denied this stereotype and thus is considered as one of the most iconic variations in the Nike swoosh logo history.

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