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Should American Companies Treat Foreign Workers Just Like American Workers?

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Summary – In the late 1990s Nike found itself in a PR storm. The company came under fire for low wages and poor factory conditions in its Asian factories. Nike did not own the factories, but these factories accounted for the production of its footwear and apparel. Initially the company took a hard stance and it declared that it was not responsible for the conditions. Soon the company changed course as the voice of protestors around the globe intensified. Eventually the company put into place new work condition standards and the company also raised wages in its Asian factories. Unfortunately for Nike, the negative press didn’t subside. This cases involves several hot button issues. Should American companies treat foreign workers just like American workers? How much of the supply chain should a company be held responsible for? Is Global sourcing all about cost savings or should companies concern themselves with human rights issues? …show more content…

I agree that there is a legal separation between the Nike Company and its independent contractors. With that said, these factories produce the main ingredient of its product. The relationship Nike has is very similar to the one that car manufactures have with their suppliers. The suppliers play an important role in the final product and as such Nike has to own that. Nike shouldn’t be held responsible for everything their suppliers do, but the company can’t turn its back and pretend to see nothing. This is especially true when the company’s customer base demands better factory conditions. In a sense the condition of its factories is just as important to the consumer as the look of the

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