Adidas, Nike, Puma workers abused in Bangladesh

Bangladeshis working in factories making clothing for Puma, Nike and Adidas, all three of which sponsor the Olympic Games that begin in London on July 27, are reportedly being beaten, verbally abused and sexually harassed.

Workers producing garments for all three brands had to work illegally long hours for less than the minimum wage, the report claims.

"If companies want to benefit by sponsoring teams, athletes and the Games, they must ensure their workers are treated with respect," said Greg Muttitt, campaigns and policy director at War on Want.

A Nike spokeswoman said the company was investigating the allegations. "Nike takes working conditions in our contract factories very seriously," she said.

Adidas said its suppliers in Bangladesh were subject to regular audits, adding that it had identified "critical issues" relating to working hours and wages at one of the factories last year.

The underpayment of minimum wages had been resolved at the factory, Adidas said.

The brand also added that it was "deeply concerned about reports of harassment or physical abuse of workers" and would launch an immediate investigation to verify the allegations.

Puma said it had found evidence of illegal overtime in one of its supplier factories, which had pledged to tackle the problem. The brand said it found no evidence of other breaches of the law.

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