Derek Wan 12/5 class

Derek Wan's 12/5 class assignment

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Derek Wan

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wan2@tcnj.edu

TCNJ reconsiders hosting summer golf program

DECEMBER 1, 2000 - EWING, NJ…Jesse Rosenblum, associate vice president of college relations, will investigate a supposed Nike affiliation with sweatshop labor to determine hosting the Trenton summer golf program.

Janet Gray of the Center for Social Justice presented a claim before the Office of College Relations today. She asserted that Tiger Woods, who is associated with Nike and plans to make a guest appearance, makes $55,000 a day — it takes a Nike laborer in Indonesia 14,000 years to earn that amount.

Jill Fink of the Labor Union-UNITE and Noelle Petruzelli of the Student Government Association are part of a coalition of students, faculty and staff that plan to protest the event, if held at The College facilities.

According to Nike, increased wages over 70 percent for entry-level Indonesian footwear factory workers – the most recent 13.2 percent increase was implemented on April 1. In addition to wages, workers also receive benefits such as housing, transportation, on-site health care and meals.

"Nike products are made in good factories by good workers who believe they are treated fairly – plain and simple. Otherwise we would have substandard products, high turnover and an inability to meet consumer demand," said a Nike spokesperson.

Gray, Fink and Petrizelli provided suggestions and assistance to seek sponsorship and funding from corporations that support human rights for improved working conditions.

TCNJ Office of College Relations will look into the claims, and offer a solution in the next couple days.

The College of New Jersey promotes free inquiry and open exchange in the pursuit of knowledge and human understanding among a diverse community of learners who are valued for their distinctive perspectives and abilities.