WE ARE NOT MACHINES

Despite some small steps forward, poverty and fear still dominate
the lives of Nike and Adidas workers in Indonesia.

Timothy Connor March 2002 Photo Credits: Ashley Gilbertson

Clean Clothes Campaign, Global Exchange, Maquila Solidarity Network, Oxfam Canada, Oxfam Community Aid Abroad.

Contents Executive Summary Introduction Methodology Afraid to Speak Out Respect for the Right to Freedom of Association In fear for their lives - the PT Nikomas Gemilang factory in Serang, West Java Jailed for union activism - the PT Panarub factory in Tangerang, West Java. Some steps forward, but active unionists still have reason to fear unfair dismissal - those factories which workers asked not be identified Case Study: Leily's Story Working Hours Wages Health and Safety Exposure to dangerous chemicals Acute injury hazards Appropriate medical care in factory clinics Exposure to heat and noise Verbal Abuse Use of Indonesian soldiers to provide "security" in the PT Nikomas Gemilang factory. Sexual Harassment Annual Leave Conclusion Notes References

"Factory managers abuse and harass us because they think it will increase our productivity. They don't understand that people work better when they are treated in a way that respects their needs. You should do research into that. Maybe then they will stop treating us like machines. All you need to do is turn on a machine and it works automatically. Humans cannot work like that. We are not machines." Translation of comments by Nike worker. Focus group discussion, 21 January 2002. Name of worker and factory concealed at workers' request. "The work system treats us like machines, so we have to keep working, keep working, keep working." Worker at the PT Nikomas Gemilang factory (contractor for Nike and Adidas), speaking through an interpreter. Research interview, 22 July 2001. Worker's name concealed at her request.