SHALOT, Pakistan (Nov 25, 1996 - 19:12 EST) -- In an attempt to eliminate the use of underage labor to make soccer balls, Nike Inc. and its subcontractor opened a plant in Pakistan on Monday.
Nike and SAGA Sports intend to employee 500 workers at the stitching center in Seokee, Nike spokesman Jim Small said. SAGA Sports, according to Nike, will hire workers only after they have presented proof they are over the minimum age for employment.
In recent years, companies have hired Pakistani manufacturers to stitch soccer balls, and they hired workers who stitched at home and were paid per ball.
"We are proud to take a leadership position in our industry to eliminate the use of underage workers in the production of soccer balls," Nike chairman Phil Knight said. "Nike will not tolerate the use of underage labor."