The Hindu Business Line : Nike to promote `mature industrial relations'

Coimbatore June 4 Nike through recent release of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) report has committed itself to a time-bound programme of promoting unionisation and mature system of industrial relations through its global supply chain, instead of its current reliance on social auditing, said the International Textile, Garment and Leather Workers Federation (ITGLWF).

Nike's new tack, according to ITGLWF, has signalled the end of `codes of conduct Mark-I' based on extensive auditing of workplace conditions with limited impact and paved the way for a globalisation in textiles, garment and footwear sectors that may empower and reward the workers.

Learning process

The ITGLWF General Secretary, Mr Neil Kearney, in a communication had noted that global brands and retailers had undergone a slow learning path since the beginning of the gangrenous supply chain in early 1990s.

This learning path took them through public relations and a flood of social auditing to a realisation now that the antidote to worker exploitation lies in employment relationship. With every employer shouldering direct responsibility for those they employ and using mature system of industrial relations as the engine for delivering labour standards compliance.

This would demand a major effort on the part of all stakeholders. Manufacturers would need to commit to a process of adherence to labour law, social dialogue and to payment of a living wage for a standard workweek.

Nike and other brands and retailers would need to sharpen their purchasing practices, pay suppliers decent prices and agree realistic delivery schedules while ensuring sourcing only from suppliers committed to this new approach, Mr Kearney has added.

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