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The actual hands that produce the sneaker community’s favorite silhouettes are currently at rest. Workers at the globe’s largest maker of athletic footwear for everyone from Nike to adidas, the Yue Yuen Chinese factory, are on strike. Also pushing product for Reebok, ASICS, New Balance, Timberland and others, the company made 323.3 million pairs of shoes in 15 months leading up to December of 2012. According to the Associated Press, over 10,000 of the Guangdong establishment’s employees are striking because of a dispute over benefits. Labor groups stated that the workforce is upset because they were not paid their full social security and housing funds, as well as skimping on insurance coverage. Employees are protesting directly outside of the kick factory and the end is uncertain.
What are your thoughts on the workers in the world’s largest sneaker factory going on strike? Comment in the feedback section below, and keep Nice Kicks streaming for any future developments.
Source: AP
Lead image via Daily Wake
