Nike executives traveled overseas to investigate mass fainting incidents among workers at a sports shoe factory in Cambodia, according to officials.
The Phnom Penh Post reported that Union and industry representatives confirmed Tuesday that Nike officials will be meeting with one of their suppliers in Phnom Penh about last week's fainting incidents, as well as allegations of violations of workers' rights at a Taiwanese-owned manufacturing plant.
Nike's executives were “looking at all aspects of working conditions and trying to come up with a comprehensive plan that could be implemented over time to improve working conditions,” said Jill Tucker, chief technical adviser at Better Factories Cambodia.
Ken Loo, secretary-general of the Garment Manufacturers Association in Cambodia, met with Nike's regional director for Asia Tuesday and said the company is taking the fainting incidents “very seriously.”
“Everybody is looking for a solution,” he said, adding that “Nike is committed to being part of one.”
Nike was notified by the Free Trade Union after more than 300 workers fainted at a Sabrina Manufacturing plant last week in Kampong Speu, according to FTU leader Chea Mony.
Nike has not commented on the issue as of yet.
On Sunday, opposition MP Mu Sochua called for a boycott of global brands, including Nike, which failed to immediately address the fainting incidents and violations of labour rights at garment factories here.
