http://news.independent.co.uk/world/politics/story.jsp?story=629863By Maxine Frith, Social Affairs Correspondent
16 April 2005
They are the global brands that have raked in multimillion-pound profits on the back of sweatshop labour in developing countries.
But after a decade of denying any wrongdoing, companies such as Nike and Gap are now admitting that their workers have been exploited and abused, and have pledged to improve the conditions of the millions of people who are paid a few pence a day to make their top-selling goods.
The wholesale reform is being hailed as a victory for anti-sweatshop campaigners who just a few years ago were being derided and dismissed by the big brand names. With consumers becoming increasingly concerned with "ethical shopping", activists say firms are realising that being linked with sweatshop labour can lead to a dip rather than a rise in profits.
This week, for the first time, Nike published details of the 700 factories that make its goods in an effort to create more "transparency" for customers. The company pledged to set up a task force to ensure that its codes of conduct on pay, hours and conditions are complied with.
more...
Finally these Corporations are feeling the heat!!!