Well argued article. Plight of exploited workers needs more attention.

Interesting perspective on Nike and other companies not walking the talk when it comes to workers' rights. It is sad to hear that the sportswear companies are still not acting ethically.

Thank god we still have unions and NGOs to keep pressuring them to do better.

Foreign companies should certainly obey the laws of countries where they operate, and the threats and abuse reportedly directed at Indonesian workers are completely unacceptable.

But … we should be very careful of trying to impose first world labour conditions in third world countries. We may think that terms and conditions are not “fair”, and by our standards they certain are not. But if consumer boycotts cause factories to close or cut production, or higher labour costs result in lower employment, then they may well do more harm than good

Thank god we still have unions and NGOs to keep pressuring them to do better.
SuperDad,
If it weren't for them Nike probably would have their product manufactured here bacause they'd still be affordable. How much do you think a pair of shoes would cost made here ?
Yes it it an abhorrent situation with workers exploitation in many countries but, it is brought on by a tax system which forces companies to go where things are cheaper. Why do you think so many Australians travel to Asia ? Buy asian made cars & other commodities ? Because they have become unaffordable not due to union & NGO pressure. Manufacturing has been out-priced by excessive union & NGO pressure.

it really is a sad, sad reflection of the mentality of people to see such a lack of interest in a topic as important as this thread's.
The notion of helping so-called (I don't even like that term) third world populations of offering more money is a noble one but it is also as ignorant as it is noble. I experience this on a daily basis in indigenous communities in Australia's North. These communities are definitely not third world insofar as infrastructure is concerned. But, there are definitely third world mentalities at work. You offer work but it doesn't get attended. You pay for the work not done on a fortnightly basis because pay is provided no matter what.
The moment a number of community members have money in their pocket they do not attend work until they need more money. Let my stress that I know many people in those communities who do their work every day but they feel conned by the fact that those who don't work get the same money. I know of exceptionally responsible people who have to walk everywhere at work because the non-working are commandeering Council vehicles for not work related purposes.
This situation is not the fault of the people in the communities, it is directly the fault of State & Federal Labor administrations with their one size fits all mentality in their policies.

individual
do you think people in "third world" countries would be better off if Nike made its shoes in Australia instead?