according to some sources, speedo (or companies hired to produce products for speedo) is guilty of serious abuse of its employees. follow the link.
www.nlcnet.org/reports.php
something to think about as we watch those lzr clad titans breaking records.
do we care?
should we (usms and usa swimming) act?
makes me wonder...........how 'bout you?
They hide the fact that if your UE benifits run out and have given up searching for work, you are not counted in their figures. Or if you are working at a part time job without benifits you are not counted either.
If the methods of calculating unemployment have always done this then your argument is irrelevant. It still does not support your assertion. But, as expected, there's some conspiracy.
As I'm sure you've read, in-sourcing is on the rise also.
I'm not sure that individuals boycotting would do too much good (because serious swimmers probably make up only a tiny fraction of the customer base), but keeping steady pressure on publicly might do a lot. For some earlier experiences, google "Liz Claiborne sweatshops."
Here's an excerpt from one article:
"Then there are the tougher issues that even companies such as Reebok haven't yet grappled with. How can companies respect workers' rights to collectively bargain in China, say, which bans free unions and often doesn't enforce its own labor laws, impressive as they are on paper? Nor have most Western companies improved wages, which are often below what even governments like Indonesia define as enough to support a family."
The article:
www.businessweek.com/.../b3706008.htm
I think it would take high-profile celebrity swimmers -- Speedo's ambassadors -- and I think it could help. If Speedo is a partner or preferred vendor of USMS, then perhaps USMS should have a policy statement, one that would apply to third-party vendors as well, such as SwimOutlet. However, I would not put the onus on a volunteer organization.
An Olympics season is a good time to draw attention, especially if the LZR suits are on the podium.
VB
I'm not sure, but those of us in the USA might be appalled to learn that a great many of the products we buy and use everyday (that are imported) come from less than desirable working conditions. The Olympics bring a focus to China in particular, but there are plenty of dangerous and abusive work environments around the globe funded by our consumption-based economy.
Try to find a reasonably priced shoe not made in China these days...
there was a similar discussion for the winter olympics for the uniforms for the volonteers and paid workers. they had tags sewn in that said made in italy but it was obvious that asics had them made in china.
the red dye , dyed our white shirts red.
most of the italians were indignant, i mean let's be straight, all the major designers unless it is couture have things made in indonisia, china, honduras etc..
Look at some of the raids done here in the states where illegals are working! Guarantee we wouldn't work under those conditions!!!!!
Owners of these companies should be made to work there for a couple of months under the same conditions.
And this could be extended to the many food products we enjoy year 'round... so... back to Ulster's original thread questions of "Should we care?" and "Should USMS act?"
From an individual point, it comes down to researching and making buying decisions based on each supplying company's record.
From USMS' perspective, unless FINA acts, then USMS could be putting its athletes at a disadvantage in international competition.
"Company Food is Awful, Workers Try to Survive 38 Cents per Meal"
What can you expect for 38 cents? I pay 30 times that much and my company food sucks too.:frustrated:
ok so to get back on track:
should usms demand a certain standard of treatment for the employees of sponsor companies. there are other swimwear options (i do love my endurance suits but would be more than willing to shift my support/purchases to a brand that could prove better conditions for its workers.
would you?
noodles,
pack your own lunch.
