words // Ian Stonebrook:
More often than not, stories involving sportswear giants and overseas suppliers are not good. Whether its international issues causing conflict on site or a blind eye turned to questionable conditions, the story usually ends with employees taking an L and the finger pointed at those in power.
Today is different. Following their 2014 sustainability report, Supply Management reported that adidas shut down 13 suppliers in Asia in an effort that should improve worker’s conditions. In total, this caused a shutdown of 104 factories which accounts for about a 10% rejection rate based on their factory screening policy.
“The remediation of factory issues is beneficial for workers; it raises the bar in terms of better and more timely pay, improved benefits, reduced hours and the legal protection of formal employment contracts, as well as significant improvements in basic health and safety within the workplace,” adidas stated in the report.
On top of that, adidas has expanded its workers’ grievance hotline in both Vietnam and Indonesia. The brand also issued 65 warning letters regarding complaints of management, payment, and working conditions, distributed to suppliers in 13 different countries.
While details regarding how working conditions have improved at such suppliers are mostly unknown, it is nice to see what looks like a positive move to address what’s been a longtime problem. Salute, adidas.
