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?
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 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
