Corporate Responsibility

It is a fairly common thought that companies outsourcing jobs will take advantage of the workers in that country. A prime example of this type of abuse taking place can be seen with the company Nike and its outsourcing to China.  The lack of strict labor laws, such as those that exist in the United States, makes it easier for companies like Nike to create products as quickly as possible without paying much attention to the actual workers. Although not all workers are abused in the process of outsourcing, many of those employed suffer from some sort of exploitation, especially regarding working conditions and wages.

Large corporations do not realize that they have the power to create change among the outsourcing “industry,” which would positively affect the lives of thousands of workers. Nike has had allegations made against them of worker abuse at sweatshops. Many of Nike’s employees feel that their “only choice is to stay and suffer, or speak out and be fired” (Bradford). Companies, such as Nike, usually move overseas with “the intent to take advantage of lower wages and operating costs” (Lach). Although products can be made at lower costs, people such as the six female workers forced to stand in the “blazing sun after they failed to meet their target of completing 60 dozen pairs of shoes on time” (Bradford), should not have to be subject to that kind of cruel punishment.

Nike is an interesting company to look at because it has been under the most criticism in the past decade. In fact, it was under such scrutiny that it was “the first major apparel company to disclose the names and locations of hundreds of plants that produce its sneakers, clothes and other products” (Bradford). This was back in 2005 when Nike first addressed this issue. But, today in 2013 there are still issues of worker abuse going on in China and other countries.  It is truly sad that Nike contractors believe that “there is little it could do to stop it” (Bradford). It is about time that corporations start to take responsibility for the workers that they employ and put in the extra effort to ensure safety. It is a moral obligation that as one race—we must begin to look out for each other.  

Works Cited

Bradford, Harry. "Nike Faces New Worker Abuse Claims In Indonesia." The Huffington Post. TheHuffingtonPost.com, 13 July 2011. Web. 11 Mar. 2013.

Lach, Alex. "5 Facts About Overseas Outsourcing." Name. N.p., 9 July 2012. Web. 11 Mar.    2013.