Introduction
In 2005 it was reported that there were abusive treatments in more than a quarter of Nike’s South Asian plants. Another report stated that between 25%-50% of factories in the region, denied workers access to toilets and drinking water during the work day. They were also denied any days off within the seven day work week, and wages were below the minimum wage. This was the first time the details of all factories were published in a major corporate report.
As a result of this report, the company realized that they invested more into improving conditions than many of its competitors. Although Nike has made attempts through voluntary corporate studies to improve their labor standards in global supply chains, it has been suggested that while they are delivering improvements widely. New approaches are needed that engage governments, NGO’s and local businesses. In May 2005, Nike’s Vice President came to the realization at The Ethical Trading Initiative conference that previously the company was looking at solving problems for themselves. Now they are exploring how to create systematic change in the industry going beyond what the media, consultants and academics currently understand.

Key Issues
It was found that many of Nike’s employees were mistreated in more than one-third of its South Asian Plants. Reportedly many of the factories denied access to water and even the toilet, employees work more than a 60hr work week and are even denied an off day. Not only are they paid below the minimum wage but if they refuse to work overtime they were punished. Also, in an attempt to improve their labor standards Nike believes that they should engage governments, NGO’s and local businesses

My Approach Even though the practices in the western culture is different to ours here in the east, I believe that every individual should be allowed access to water and