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UW Protests, Threatens to Dump Nike for Honduran Abuses
In the wake of the Honduran coup, 2 Nike subcontractors abrubtly closed their doors, locking out 1700 workers without their final paychecks, severance, or any of the few benefits they earned as workers. This precipated Thursday's protest at the University of Wisconsin in Madison, where Nike was already on probation as a supplier to the school. (photo: Megan McCormick/The Badger Herald)
(FINAL VERSION)
According to WKOW in Madison:
------------------------
"Four months ago, Chancellor Biddy Martin issued the apparel company an ultimatum --
clean up your act, or we'll take away your license to do business with the UW.
That deadline passed April 7, and now students want action.
They chanted in unison, "Show us what democracy looks like! This is what democracy looks like,"
and carried dozens of protest signs, demanding retribution for Nike workers."
-------------------------
WKOW has a video of the protest on their site along with the story quoted above:
http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12277517
WKOW also reported:
-------------------------------
"Students want Chancellor Martin to cut the contract with Nike immediately.
"If she cuts it, that's fantastic and we will commend her for it.
We'll be very happy and she will definitely get all our support for making the right decision,"
said student Jonah Zinn.
"I think students are going to be outraged if she doesn't..."
------------------------------
Although Nike often asserts the independence of contract firms who actually manufacture their
shoes, these are an essential part of a plan devised by Nike founder, Phil Knight while he was a
business student at the University of Oregon, and without them there would be no Nike.
Although Knight stepped down froim his position as CEO of Nike in 2004, he retains his position
as board chairman, and holds more than 95% of Nike Class A stock, which means he is still
100% responsible for the actions of this company.
Having retired from his position as CEO, he now has more time for his real passion, which is golf.
When I first met him in 2000, he was on his way to a golf match in Seattle.
The protests continue, more news is expected from Madison this weekend.
------------------------
"Four months ago, Chancellor Biddy Martin issued the apparel company an ultimatum --
clean up your act, or we'll take away your license to do business with the UW.
That deadline passed April 7, and now students want action.
They chanted in unison, "Show us what democracy looks like! This is what democracy looks like,"
and carried dozens of protest signs, demanding retribution for Nike workers."
-------------------------
WKOW has a video of the protest on their site along with the story quoted above:
http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=12277517
WKOW also reported:
-------------------------------
"Students want Chancellor Martin to cut the contract with Nike immediately.
"If she cuts it, that's fantastic and we will commend her for it.
We'll be very happy and she will definitely get all our support for making the right decision,"
said student Jonah Zinn.
"I think students are going to be outraged if she doesn't..."
------------------------------
Although Nike often asserts the independence of contract firms who actually manufacture their
shoes, these are an essential part of a plan devised by Nike founder, Phil Knight while he was a
business student at the University of Oregon, and without them there would be no Nike.
Although Knight stepped down froim his position as CEO of Nike in 2004, he retains his position
as board chairman, and holds more than 95% of Nike Class A stock, which means he is still
100% responsible for the actions of this company.
Having retired from his position as CEO, he now has more time for his real passion, which is golf.
When I first met him in 2000, he was on his way to a golf match in Seattle.
The protests continue, more news is expected from Madison this weekend.
David Roknich
DOGSPOT
http://dogspot.us
For more information:
http://www.wkowtv.com/Global/story.asp?S=1...
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Thanks for your patience. This is now the correct copy, and with the original title.
For more information:
http://dogspot.us
These 2 URLs provide some background regarding Phil's control of the company:
http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Knight_to_Leave_Nike_Top_Job
http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2009/10/19/daily21.html
He's also a bit upset about the taxes he paid on the shares of stock he sold, and has come out against propositions 66 and 67 which would install a progressive tax structure in Oregon.
He claims the wealthy already pay enough tax, and businesses must get tax breaks in order to become employers in Oregon.
How much actually does trickle down, Phil?
Does it find it's way to Homduras and Indonesia where human beings suffer and die for your shoes?
Enjoy your round of golf.
- dave
http://en.wikinews.org/wiki/Knight_to_Leave_Nike_Top_Job
http://portland.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2009/10/19/daily21.html
He's also a bit upset about the taxes he paid on the shares of stock he sold, and has come out against propositions 66 and 67 which would install a progressive tax structure in Oregon.
He claims the wealthy already pay enough tax, and businesses must get tax breaks in order to become employers in Oregon.
How much actually does trickle down, Phil?
Does it find it's way to Homduras and Indonesia where human beings suffer and die for your shoes?
Enjoy your round of golf.
- dave
For more information:
http://dogspot.us
That's the final word.
For more information:
http://www.indybay.org/newsitems/2010/04/0...
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