Nike workers face "Survivor" every day

By Meghan Moravcik

Daily Kent Stater

"There are rats the size of footballs," one of two speakers said in the Kiva Monday night. "And cockroaches the size of my hand."

The lecture was an eye-opening account of Nike sweatshop conditions in Tangerang, Indonesia for those sitting in the filled auditorium.

Jim Keady, a former soccer coach, and Leslie Kretzu, a human rights activist, have been lecturing at college campuses for three months about their "Real Life Survivor Story."

Keady and Kretzu lived for one month on the wage of an average Nike sweatshop worker, $1.25 per day.

Keady said they went to find the answers to two questions: Is this a great job for these workers, and is it possible to live on the wages of $1.25 per day?

"The women and men cannot afford their basic human needs. This is outrageous," Kretzu said.

During their month in Indonesia, Kretzu and Keady learned of the numerous hardships of the Nike workers.

Medical treatment for sick children of workers is almost impossible. A simple visit to the doctor and medication would cost nine days wages.

Excess rubber soles, made of carcinogens, are regularly burned where children play nearby. This can cause serious health problems.

Like the living standards, working conditions are not ideal.

The average worker puts in 8-15 hours per day, 6-7 days per week.

After buying themselves two meals, 30 percent of their wages from that day are gone.

"Children are malnourished and don't have the resources to get better. That is the reality," Keady said.

Keady and Kretzu called for action from Kent State students, saying the problem is not too big to make a difference.

They recommend writing a letter to Congressman Chris Smith, or your own representative, stating your concern over the exploitation of these workers.

Students can also join the Coalition for a Humane and New Global Economy, which meets 6 p.m. every Thursday in Room 314 of the Student Center.

"This is the information Nike doesn't want you to hear," Kretzu said. "This is the human side."

"Now you know the truth," Keady said.