SWEATSHOPS

1
SWEATSHOPS
The Truth about
BY RUBINA AMAD 30/06/06
2
What are sweatshops?
A sweatshop is a factory where workers work
for companies such as Nike and The Gap. They make
things such as clothes and footwear. The problem
is that there are claims being made that the
workers are treated badly and are suffering from
terrible conditions within the factory.
3
Conditions in a sweatshop

• Mental and physical abuse

Low wages
Blocked fire exits
Forced to do overtime
Poor ventilation
No proper sanitary care
4
Accusations against Nike

• Nike arent making sure that the rules which
  they have issued are being followed.

• Workers should not be forced to do overtime.
• Workers making the clothes must have one day off
  in seven.
• Workers must be told at the time of hiring if
  there is mandatory overtime.

5
Who is affected the most?
The children of the workers suffer because
without their parents income, they have no food,
water or clothes.

• After all the atrocities going on, who is/are
  affected the most?

Obviously, the workers are affected the most
because they have to suffer the consequences.
The nation is affected because the more poverty
is spread, the harder it is to get rid of it. It
is also hard for the government to control the
rate of poverty.
6
What is the process when making a pair of Nike
trainers?
Nike call it the money loop.
Production
Advertising
Purchasing
7
Step 1 Production
Production was a big problem when the
factories which produced for Nike were in
America. This was because the workers expected a
good wage. This could be resolved by setting up
factories in LEDCs where they didnt have to pay
them much.
This idea worked well but the workers were
suffering.
8
Step 2 Advertising
Because Nike are paying their workers
pennies for working for them, this means that
their advertising department has a whole load of
cash left behind. Nike dont have to do much to
promote their company either
Tiger Woods and Monica Seles combined get 20
million. Michael Jordan gets 20 million as well.
Just for wearing the swoosh
9
Step 3 Purchasing
Because Nike promotes itself so well by
paying famous people loads of cash when they
could be paying those who are working for them
(!) , Nike has a lot of advantages.
In 1996 alone, Nike sold 6.5 billion worth
of shoes. This is because if the millions of
people who were inspired by their famous athletes
or stars.
The CEO of Nike, Philip Knight once said it
doesn't matter who you offend as long as you're
getting your message to your consumers."
10
Nike defends
There are some people who believe that Nike
arent to be blamed
1. Nike are only doing what he government are
allowing them to do. Its not their fault if their
company is doing well.
2. Nike produce good quality products so a
successful company like Nike should be allowed to
do what they want.
3. Nike do research into their products and how
it is made so if they felt as if something needed
changing. Then they will do it.
11
Mayra Esperanza Mejias Story
Lived with her mother on the rail tracks,
father moved away and her mother became desperate.
Mayra decided to get a job and worked in a
shampoo factory where she was discriminated
because of her age.
Now, Mayra has another job which at least
pays her better (at least now she gets 8 to keep
to herself.)
Mayra esperanza Mejia
12
What can we do to help?

• Spread this issue and tell your
• friends and family.
• Support local charities which may be supporting
  sweatshop workers.
• Buy sweatshop-free clothing.
• Educate yourself and others around you
• about the issue.
• Get involved in campaigns against sweatshops.

13
Thank You