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Former Adidas factory workers ask for University help

24.05.13

With the help of a translator, Hidayat and his co-worker Heni — who only disclosed her first name — shared their personal experiences and financial troubles of living without the severances many allege are owed to them and other workers by the Adidas company.

Since the closing of the PT Kizone factory — a facility that produced Adidas apparel — in April 2011, Hidayat and Heni have struggled to find new jobs and provide financially for their families.

The factory owner fled the country after the company’s bankruptcy, failing to pay 2,700 workers at least $3.3 million. Nike and the Dallas Cowboys — the two other companies who contract with the factory — contributed $1.5 million to the severance payments, but Adidas has yet to pay its $1.8 million.

The University’s chapter of United Students Against Sweatshops hosted the event with the goal of persuading University President Mary Sue Coleman to give Adidas a 90-day notice to pay the former workers the severance pay they’re owed. If Coleman leverages the University’s $60-million contract with Adidas — the largest collegiate agreement the company holds — the group hopes Adidas would be persuaded to pay up.

Source: The Michigan Daily