Hello China factory partners and factory SM&S leaders,
Recently, we have had a number of cases where representatives of an NGO (non-governmental organization) have tried to gain unauthorized access to a Nike factory. In these instances, an NGO claims to have visit authorization from Nike, when in fact they do not. Given these events, I’d like to take this opportunity to remind everyone of Nike’s policy for Media Inquiries and Unexpected Visitors.
If you receive any media inquiries or an external visit request it is important that Nike communications staff and the appropriate Nike regional/country staff are informed. Please keep the following points in mind:
· Nike contract factories and their Product Creation centers are not permitted to speak with media about their business with Nike
· External visitors are not allowed to enter Nike contract factories and their Product Creation centers without Nike’s prior consent
External visit requests should be managed as follows:
Ensure the relevant Nike / CTS GM or LO Director, SMP Regional Director, and SMP Country manager are informed. We can evaluate the request and respond in consultation with Nike Communications.
North Asia SMP Regional Director: Keith Phillips
North China SMP Country Manager: Chris Wang
South China SMP Country Manager: Sioban Liang
1. For Unauthorized Visitors – Those that show up at the factory gate or office without prior notification or consent
a. Do not allow unauthorized visitors inside of the factory. Always remain polite, firm and courteous. Emphasize that the factory is a place of business and that you cannot give tours to anyone that turns up. Please contact the Nike office to inform the General Manager or Compliance Manager. Ensure that the factory security know how to manage these situations.
b. Try to gain a business card or identification from all visitors for your records. Keep documentation of times and dates of visits and any incidents that occurred.
c. If unauthorized visitors are already in the factory, then ask the person(s) to accompany you to your office. Then contact the Nike GM or Compliance Manager. If there is a risk to people or property in the factory, please contact the local authorities, but the priority should be to handle the situation calmly.
d. Telephone Calls – The receptionist at your office or factory should direct calls from media to the communications contacts listed above.
e. Some visitors may claim to have received approval, when they have not. Nike will always inform the relevant Nike and factory staff in advance of any visits, except in the case of unannounced Fair Labor Association (FLA) audits. In the event of an FLA unannounced audit, the auditors will present an original letter of invitation which can be verified
2. Telephone Calls - others wanting access to or information about your factory should be directed to the country GM or Compliance Manager. Ensure that the receptionist knows how to manage these calls, transferring them to the appropriate person, taking down the caller’s name, organization, contact number and a message
3. Visitor Tracking - It is important to keep track of all external visitors, including names and affiliations of visitors, the visit date and time, plus any important notes about the visit