Stop NBA Sweatshops: Cut Ties with Russell Corporation!

As the Lakers battled the Magic, students converged on Orlando and Los Angeles to ask: Why does the NBA hold the "Biggest Equipment Deal in Sports" with Russell Corporation, a serial worker rights abuser? While Russell violates workers' most basic rights in its Honduras factories, the sporting goods company makes millions every year from the sales of its Official NBA Spalding basketballs and Huffy Sports backboards. Over 50 universities, including 5 of the top 7 schools sending players to the NBA, have cut ties with Russell over its worker rights abuses. Why is the NBA letting this kind of company get rich off the game? Since 2007, Russell—the largest private employer in Honduras—has repeatedly violated international and domestic labor law, culminating in the company shuttering its Jerzees De Honduras factory in retaliation for workers exercising their freedom to form a union. Russell left 1,800 workers jobless simply because they joined together to fight sweatshop conditions in the garment industry. Tell the NBA to end its $125 million deal with Russell!

Sample Letter for Campaign

Subject: Stop NBA Sweatshops: Cut Ties with Russell Corporation

Dear [ Decision Maker ] ,

I am deeply concerned about the NBA's relationship with Russell Corporation, a criminal worker rights abuser. I have followed the series of violations committed by Russell in its Honduras factories beginning in 2007. The violations culminated in Russell shuttering its Jerzees De Honduras factory in retaliation for union activity, and provoking gruesome death threats against union leaders.

Why is the NBA letting this sort of company get rich off the game? Ever since Russell Corporation acquired Spalding and Huffy Sports, it has bragged that it holds the "Biggest Equipment Deal in Sports" with the NBA. Every year, Russell makes millions in sales of the Official Ball and Backboard of the NBA.

I strongly urge you to end the NBA's deal with Russell until the company re-opens Jerzees De Honduras, re-hires all union supporters, completes the legally-mandated collective bargaining process, and takes major steps to protect workers Freedom of Association in its other Honduras factories.

Sincerely,

Campaign Launched:
June 08, 2009


Background Information

For more information on the case against Russell Corporation, see: http://ReinInRussell.org

Since 2007, Russell--the largest private employer in Honduras--has repeatedly violated international and domestic labor law, culminating in the company shuttering its Jerzees De Honduras factory in retaliation for workers exercising their freedom to form a union. Russell left 1,800 workers jobless simply because they joined together to fight sweatshop conditions in the garment industry.