U. of Wisconsin cuts ties with Nike over treatment of Honduran workers

[n2doc]

RYAN J. FOLEY
Associated Press Writer

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — The University of Wisconsin canceled its licensing agreement with Nike Inc. on Friday, becoming the first university to take that step over concerns about the company's treatment of workers in Honduras.

Chancellor Biddy Martin said Nike hasn't done enough to help workers collect severance payments they are owed at two factories that abruptly closed last year.

"Nike has not developed, and does not intend to develop, meaningful ways of addressing the plight of displaced workers and their families in Honduras," Martin said. "It has not presented clear long-range plans to prevent or respond to similar problems in the future. For this combination of reasons, we have decided to end our relationship for now."

Nike expressed disappointment with the university's decision in a statement released Friday night, while noting the factories were operated by subcontractors. Under Nike policy, subcontractors are responsible for compensation of their employees.

Wisconsin's code of conduct requires the 500 companies that make products bearing its name or logos to take responsibility for the subcontractors' actions. Its contract with Nike generated $49,000 in royalty income for the university last year.
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http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/sns-ap-wisconsin-nike,0,115387.story

[taterguy]

1. $49,000 is chump change. Would like to see UNC try it since they get millions from Nike . .

http://www.unc.edu/~andrewsr/ints092/loomis.html

[d_r]

2. I bet that $49K

only includes direct royalty payments, and not the equipment and uniforms. And Nike probably gives some money for endorsement directly to some of the coaches - the coaches of football and basketball often make a lot of extra money from corporate endorsements.

[taterguy]

3. You lose. Pay up

UW is outfitted by Reebok.

Nike just gives them a royalty for permission to put UW logos on shoes and clothing made by Nike.

Do you want me to give you an address where you can send a check? Cash is also good.

Next time think before you post.

[d_r]

4. whoops., I shouldn't assume!

I didn't say "I bet 49K" I said "I bet that 49K...." referring tot he 49K in the story.

[taterguy]

5. I'll settle for 20K

I'm a reasonable man

[d_r]

6. Liike I said, I didn't say "I bet 49K".... but

I bought a ticket today and if I win I'll send you 20K no problem.

[Bluebear]

7. kick