Reebok, Workers and Third World Economies (Published 1994) (2024)

To the Editor:

In "Just Undo It: Nike's Exploited Workers" (Viewpoints, Feb. 13), Richard J. Barnet and John Cavanagh imply that Reebok is guilty by association of a hands-off attitude toward accusations of worker abuse in footwear factories in emerging economies. The authors overlook or are unaware that Reebok is one of very few companies to employ a formal, uniform code of conduct -- the Reebok Human Rights Production Standards -- concerning the treatment of workers around the world employed by third parties with whom we do business. Among other things, the standards call for fair compensation, freedom of association and a safe and healthy work environment. They bar the use of child labor and forced labor.

Regular audits confirm that the standards have led to significant increases in worker safety as well as to guiding Reebok away from the selection of footwear factories where the standards are not met. Reebok believes that the incorporation of internationally recognized human rights standards into our business practices improves worker morale and results in a higher-quality working environment, which in turn helps us produce higher-quality products. DOUG CAHN Stoughton, Mass., Feb. 18 The writer is the director of human rights programs for Reebok International Ltd.