I see a lot of people here writing about going to smaller companies. I honestly don’t know what to think about it...
It used to be a dream for me to work at Nike and now it would feel very odd for me to look for a job in a small company, although almost everyone says that the conditions are generally much better than here.
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@3plz: you’re correct that organizing is a legally protected activity. But don’t think for even a second that if you are identified as making waves of this type you can’t and won’t face retaliation.
Over the years I have seen multiple instances of retaliation. While it was clear to most involved parties that retaliation was happening, actually proving that any negative employment action is the direct result of retaliation is an entirely different matter. You can be passed over for promotions, moved into an unpleasant role, given the worst projects, given low raises and poor CFE evaluations, or conveniently placed in a position that is then eliminated “due to changing business dynamics”. And those are just a few of the ways you can be retaliated against. Again, actually proving that any of these things were due to retaliation is extremely difficult unless you have a smoking g-n. Which rarely happens. Nike is extremely good and experienced at “managing people out”. They aren’t amateurs at this game.
I’m not saying you shouldn’t do what you’re doing. That’s entirely your decision to make. What I am saying is that nobody should ever think “If I engage in an effort to unionize Nike can’t touch me because it’s a protected activity.” That would be an extremely naive take on the reality of the situation. Because if for ANY reason Nike decides it wants you gone, you will eventually be gone. I think some people don’t fully grasp just how ruthless and cunning this game can get. I might not believe it myself were it not for the fact that I’ve seen it with my own two eyes.
For anyone who actually wants to stick it out at the company and make changes and actually wants to organize a union at Nike, give us a call or shoot us a text at (503) 660-8462. We are a group of Nike workers who are standing up for each other collectively regardless of job title or temporary/full status on a broad basis in solidarity with all Nike workers regardless whether in the office, warehouses, stores, or in the sweatshops. If you are tired of the bu-----t, the lies and the gas-lighting by management and want to stand up to them collectively then please reach out. Organizing is a legally protected activity and its your right to do this.
@3vcl, agree with everything you have written as I am in the same situation with one exception: I'll buy all the Adidas products I want.
I left Nike for a much smaller company. Sure there's a bit of prestige working at a brand like Nike especially if you're a sneakerhead etc. However after a couple of years it became apparent that Nike is not a place to grow your career. Its a toxic and disfunctional culture with bad leadership and its become much worse in the past couple of years. Sure I could have hung on at a toxic place just for the 'brand name', but instead I got out and got a 50% raise, am developing my career after several years of stagnation, and am confident that it's the right move. At the end of the day it's just a paycheck and now with my much larger paycheck I can buy all the Nike product I want but actually feel valued, empowered, and that I'm growing myself professionally once again.
Size of an organization is not the point, the difference, or the better option. Culture, which starts with leadership is what really matters. I am sorry to say that this is exactly where Nike lost the plot. I am leaving for an amazing company and wonderful culture. This company just happens to be smaller.
I left to go work for another giant company with a fancy brand name and am making over 50% more, there aren’t constant reorgs, OKRs are clear for promotions and people are generally nice. You don’t have to go smaller to find a place with better working conditions