The building collapse in Bangladesh has renewed the discussion about working conditions around the world. Verite’s CEO Dan Viederman told NEPR’s Susan Kaplan that many things contribute to the country’s problems, including corruption, not enough inspectors and a poor populace.
The software giant Apple is facing what some are calling a Nike moment, following recent press accounts that allege poor working conditions at Foxcomm, one of its suppliers in China. The American Shoemaker Nike, boasted a hip, pop-culture image before it was revealed that the company exploited its overseas workforce. The Amherst based non-profit group Verite tries to help American businesses improve working conditions at their factories. Dan Viederman is CEO of Verite. He says that companies first need to be willing to disclose their employment practices to the outside world. Viederman says Apple has been better than most at transparency.