Cornell cuts ties to Adidas, cites workers’ rights
Sep 15, 2012, 1:15 AM
ITHACA, N.Y. (AP) – Cornell University is ending a clothing deal with sportswear giant Adidas amid questions about the treatment of factory workers overseas.
Cornell President David Skorton said in a letter Friday the Ivy League school has “great concern” about reports 2,800 workers were left without $3 million in severance pay when an Indonesian factory closed last year. Some Adidas items were made there.
Representatives for Germany-based Adidas AG haven’t responded to email messages sent Friday night.
Adidas has said the severance was the factory owner’s responsibility. Adidas said in July it had provided humanitarian aid and job placement help to hundreds of the former workers.
Skorton says Cornell is willing to do business with Adidas again if the company addresses workers’ severance issues.
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