Jan 29, 1997


Mr. Phil Knight, CEO
Nike Corporation
Nike World Headquarters
One Bowerman Dr
Beaverton OR 97005

Dear Mr. Knight:


The 48th Hours on CBS, October 17, 1996, was watched closely by many. The program dealt with the inhumane treatment of fifteen (15) Vietnamese lead workers by their supervisor, wages below the legal minimum wage and sexual abuse of several women workers.

It is commendable that Nike, through its subcontractor, has decided to make available job opportunities to Vietnamese workers. Thus, the above issues should be resolved in the spirit of human dignity and human decency. In this spirit, we believe that Nike should agree to the following recommendations:

1. Accept proposals by non-governmental organizations to form independent monitoring boards in each country where Nike shoes are produced.

2. Adopt a fair living wage practice for all workers, one that would enable workers to meet basic needs, as well as save for the future. Nike can use independent studies by academics and NGOs to determine living wage standards.

3. Promote conditions at Nike factories conducive to the empowerment of workers. Stop Nike subcontractors from using boot camp techniques in managing factory workers. Adopt a corporate goal of having no tolerance for physical abuse, humiliation, corporal punishment as well as sexual abuse in Nike factories.

4. If Nike agreed with CBS News findings concerning issues related to its violation of Vietnamese minimum wage law, then Nike should provide some forms of backpay to its Vietnamese factory workers to compensate for lost wages that Nike factory workers have endured.

Respectfully,

To sign this letter to Nike, simply send an email message to to Nike Protest, [email protected] and indicate which letters: 1) President Clinton, 2) Nike CEO or 3) Both. Thank you for your support.

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