Nike has increased its paid parental leave benefit from eight to 16 weeks for all U. S.-based employees to bond with a child after birth. The company has adopted a new paid-family-leave policy, offering eight weeks of paid leave to parents of newborns, adopted or permanently placed children, as well as fathers, adoptive parents, and employees who need to care for sick family members. Birth mothers will receive a minimum of 14 weeks off, with more available if it’s necessary.
NIKE offers paid time off, paid holidays, and summer hours at each location. The company has also increased its parental leave benefit for all employees based in the US as of this month. The new contract guarantees an athlete’s pay and bonuses for 18 months around pregnancy. Three other athletic apparel companies have added maternity leave benefits.
However, some employees are not satisfied with the extended leave policy. As of June 1, Nike has doubled its parental leave benefit for all employees based in the US. The company also offers 12 weeks of paid maternity leave and 12 weeks of unpaid maternity leave. This information is based on anonymous tips submitted by employees.
In summary, Nike has increased its paid parental leave benefit from eight to 16 weeks for all U. S.-based employees to bond with a child after birth. However, it is important to note that this policy may not cover all employees, especially those who are associates.
📹 I’m in Nike’s Ads, But They Won’t Give Me Maternity Protections NYT Opinion
I’ve always known that expressing myself could hurt my career. I’ve tried not to show emotion, to anticipate what people expect …
What Is Nike'S Extended Leave For New Parents?
Nike has significantly enhanced its paid parental leave policy, now offering 16 weeks of paid leave for all U. S.-based employees. This increase, effective June 1, doubles the previous benefit of eight weeks, allowing employees more time to bond with their child after birth, adoption, or foster placement. For the first time, this benefit is also available to part-time retail employees, showcasing Nike's commitment to supporting families. In addition to the 16 weeks for new parents, Nike provides eight weeks of paid leave for employees caring for sick family members.
Birth mothers are entitled to a minimum of 14 weeks off, which can be extended based on individual circumstances. This policy change aligns Nike with a growing trend among large companies to expand family leave benefits, appealing especially to younger generations prioritizing work-life balance. The company emphasizes the importance of family time, recognizing that new parents are akin to elite athletes in their dedication. By broadening their parental leave offerings, Nike aims to foster a supportive work environment that enables employees to manage their personal and professional responsibilities effectively.
These enhancements reflect Nike’s ongoing commitment to employee welfare and family support, positioning the brand as a leader in workplace benefits in the competitive landscape of corporate policies.
Does Nike Have A Maternity Policy?
Nike has made significant changes to its maternity policy for sponsored athletes after facing public backlash and a congressional inquiry. On August 12, the company announced that new contracts would guarantee athlete pay and bonuses for 18 months surrounding pregnancy. This shift comes after previous criticism over compensation cuts during maternity. Additionally, three other athletic apparel companies have introduced maternity protections for their athletes.
The updated policy ensures that athletes will not face any performance-related pay reductions if they become pregnant. Notable athletes like Allyson Felix highlighted concerns over the previous maternity terms, prompting Nike to enhance their policies. Furthermore, as of June 1, Nike has extended its paid parental leave from eight to 16 weeks for all U. S.-based employees. This decision reflects a response to athlete advocacy and symbolizes a commitment to supporting mothers in sports.
The initiative aims to empower female athletes, helping them balance motherhood with their careers while ensuring financial security. Overall, Nike’s revised maternity policy signifies a progressive step toward recognizing the complexities of motherhood in athletics and fostering an inclusive environment for female athletes.
What Is Nike Extended Leave?
Nike has announced an extended leave policy for U. S.-based employees, providing eight weeks of paid leave for fathers and adoptive parents, as well as a minimum of 14 weeks for birth mothers to bond with their child after birth, adoption, or foster placement. For the first time, this benefit includes part-time retail employees. The policy is part of Nike's commitment to employee welfare, which also includes five-week paid sabbaticals for employees with 10 years of service, introduced in 1994.
Employees working more than 30 hours a week are now eligible for paid family leave. Additionally, Nike has improved its bereavement leave from three days to two weeks for family loss. These enhancements align Nike with other large companies offering improved parental leave benefits. Beyond parental benefits, Nike offers competitive pay, robust retirement plans, and a comprehensive benefits package valued at around $7, 560 per employee, covering insurance, health, wellness, and more.
U. S. employees leaving Nike with five years of service also earn lifetime shopping privileges. The changes reflect Nike's aim to support employees' personal and family needs, making it a desirable place to work.
What Benefits Does Nike Offer?
NIKE provides competitive salaries along with comprehensive retirement plans to support employees' financial goals. With a belief in work-life balance, it offers paid time off, holidays, and summer hours. Each location may feature specific benefits, detailed on the Nike Locations Spotlight. NIKE prioritizes the well-being of retail employees through various perks like health insurance, 401(k) plans, stock purchase options, and employee discounts, estimated at $7, 560 per employee.
Additionally, Nike employees enjoy flexible work arrangements, tuition assistance, and transportation allowances. Membership benefits include birthday discounts and exclusive merchandise access. Collaborating with top athletes inspires employees and customers alike. The company culture emphasizes wellness and job satisfaction, enhancing employee experiences through events at the World Headquarters and a robust rewards program. Overall, NIKE's commitment to supporting its workforce through substantial financial and personal benefits fosters an environment where employees can thrive both professionally and personally.
Does NIKE Offer Fertility Benefits?
Nike offers comprehensive fertility benefits aimed at supporting employees in their family planning efforts, including coverage for treatments like IVF, egg freezing, and surrogacy. The policy includes a $25, 000 lifetime maximum for IVF treatments, standard pre-authorization procedures, and a $10, 000 limit on medication expenses. They do not cover PGS testing. U. S. employees with at least five years of service can enjoy lifetime shopping privileges, extending benefits to eligible family members.
Additionally, Nike provides robust retirement plans and competitive pay to enhance financial planning for employees at any stage of life. To promote physical well-being, Nike encourages a daily sports habit by offering access to Nike Sports Centers and various fitness discounts. Their recent paid family leave policy grants eight weeks of paid leave for new parents and those adopting. Nike is praised for its inclusive fertility benefits catering to all employees, regardless of gender identity or family structure.
Employees also have access to an Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) at no charge. Overall, Nike's extensive benefits package, including fertility assistance through a partnership with Progyny, positions them as a leader in supporting family-building initiatives in the workplace.
Which Companies Offer The Best Maternity Pay?
A list of companies offering exceptional maternity leave includes various U. S. public firms, ranked by their paid parental leave policies. Notably, Netflix sets the standard with 52 weeks of fully paid leave. Other top contenders in the U. S. are Accenture (36 weeks), Adobe (26 weeks), Amazon (up to 20 weeks for birth mothers), and Morgan Stanley, which provides 16 weeks for all parents. Additionally, companies like Capital One and Admiral Group offer 18 weeks and 16 weeks respectively.
In the UK, firms such as Aviva and NatWest Group also excel, with Aviva providing 26 weeks of full pay. In total, 119 companies are recognized for offering at least 12 weeks of maternity leave. Inclusive benefits extend beyond maternity leave: many firms incorporate support for adoption and family needs. The rankings are based on transparency and quality of the leave policies, highlighting a commitment to family support in the workplace. For those looking for supportive environments, this list offers valuable insights into the best employers for new and expectant parents.
What Is NIKE'S New Maternity Policy?
Nike has announced significant changes to its parental leave and maternity policies, effective June 1. The sports retailer has doubled its paid parental leave from eight to 16 weeks for all employees in the US, including part-time retail staff, to promote bonding time after birth, adoption, or foster placement. In response to criticism over its maternity policies following a New York Times op-ed by Olympians Alysia Montano and Kara Goucher, Nike is updating athlete contracts to safeguard the income of female athletes during pregnancy.
Following widespread public backlash and a congressional inquiry, Nike's new maternity policy, announced on August 12, guarantees pay and bonuses for sponsored athletes for 18 months around pregnancy. This includes full wages and benefits during maternity leave, addressing concerns regarding prior compensation cuts. The company is launching a maternity wear line, Nike (M), designed by female innovators to cater to the specific needs of expecting mothers.
Additionally, athletes will not face performance reductions for 12 months after childbirth, allowing them to focus on family without financial stress. These policy shifts reflect Nike's commitment to better support female athletes and employees during significant life events.
Which Company Gives The Most Maternity Leave?
Netflix is renowned for its exceptional parental leave policy, offering new parents 52 weeks of paid leave, surpassing many countries like Norway and Germany. This makes it a standout example among U. S. companies. The company ranks highest in parental leave among the Russell 1000. In a broader analysis, a database from Fairygodboss includes over 1, 500 U. S. employers' maternity and paternity leave policies. Additionally, several tech companies, including Amazon, Facebook, Google, and Microsoft, also provide generous leave options.
According to Cookler, the largest U. S. public companies are evaluated for their transparency and quality regarding paid parental leave. Many firms have improved their policies to support new parents—companies offering at least 16 weeks of paid maternity leave are highlighted, with some offering up to 52 weeks. Prominent companies recognized for strong leave benefits include Adobe, American Express, and Dropbox, contributing to a family-friendly work environment.
How Much PTO Do NIKE Employees Get?
Nike's Paid Time Off (PTO) and vacation policy typically provides employees with 15-30 days off annually, with 71% of employees expected to be free from work while on leave. This benefit ranks as the second most valued by employees, right after healthcare, with 38% identifying it as their top priority. Employees appreciate the flexibility and ease of taking time off, accruing PTO based on hours worked but not limited to a cap, allowing for excellent work-life balance.
Nike offers additional perks, such as access to the Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and enhanced mental health benefits through Lyra. The vacation policy is designed to encourage rest and recovery, with employees able to take breaks to refresh and recharge. The specifics of the PTO allocation depend on job title, tenure, and supervision, ensuring a tailored approach for different roles.
Besides vacation days, employees receive additional "occasional absence" days for personal matters and illnesses, though PTO payouts can reach up to 300 hours, excluding specific programs like sabbaticals. Nike also offers significant employee discounts on athletic products. Overall, Nike's comprehensive benefits package captures employee needs and promotes a balanced work environment.
Where Has The Longest Paid Maternity Leave?
Bulgaria stands out for having the best maternity leave globally, offering an exceptional 58. 6 weeks off at 90% of the employee's salary. This significantly exceeds the international minimum standard of 14 weeks. Other countries with extensive maternity leaves include Croatia, which also provides 58 weeks, albeit guaranteeing payment for only 30 of those weeks. Sweden offers a generous 56 weeks at 80% pay and an additional 13 weeks at a fixed rate. Norway ranks highly for statutory maternity leave duration, with a significant provision of 49 weeks at full pay or 59 weeks at 80% pay.
Furthermore, Estonia claims the most comprehensive maternity leave policy, allowing up to 86 weeks of leave before and after childbirth, where 20 weeks are paid at 100% salary. Research indicates that all 54 surveyed countries guarantee some paid leave to new mothers, a notable increase from 20 countries in 1995, and 31 countries provide at least 14 weeks.
Bulgaria and Croatia lead with a remarkable 58 weeks of paid maternity leave, followed by nations like Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro with 52 weeks. Overall, Bulgaria’s policies position it as the frontrunner in supporting new parents with extensive paid time off.
Does NIKE Give Paid Maternity Leave?
Nike has announced a significant increase in its paid parental leave policy, effective June 1, extending the benefit from eight to 16 weeks for all U. S.-based employees, including part-time retail staff, allowing them to bond with their child following birth, adoption, or foster placement. Birth mothers are now eligible for at least 14 paid weeks, with potential for more if medically necessary, a significant rise from the previous minimum of six weeks.
Fathers, adoptive parents, and those caring for sick family members will receive eight weeks of paid leave. Additionally, U. S. employees with at least five years of service will gain lifetime shopping privileges for themselves and their eligible family members upon leaving the company. In response to pressures and backlash, Nike has also committed to protecting female athletes' salaries during pregnancy and maternity leave, a move that aligns them with competitors like Asics, which fully compensates its sponsored athletes during this period.
Overall, the public response to these changes has been overwhelmingly positive, as Nike aligns its benefits more closely with the needs of its employees and sponsored athletes. Employees can access more about benefits, including paid time off and summer hours, as well as adoption support. The new policy demonstrates Nike's commitment to supporting its workforce and fostering a family-friendly work environment.
📹 Olympic athlete Allyson Felix shares her Nike pregnancy story
Allyson Felix, track and field sprinter and six-time Olympic gold medal winner, joins “The Exchange” to discuss her op-ed in the …
Corporations do not care about people. Only bottom line. This is why regulations, unions, and collective bargaining is important. The repubs try to convince you that regulation is bad but ALL regulation came About because there were blatant abuses and exploitation’s that needed to be addressed. So miss me with the BS
This article made me get emotional. Tears welled up in my eyes by the end. To think that such a lucrative company would punish women or dismiss them for bringing life into the world is daunting. I just cannot explain how this makes me feel. However, I am so glad that these athletes decided to speak about an issue that I never knew existed in such a prominenr company.
As a university decathlete I’ve always been a huge admirer of you Alyson for many reasons from your beautiful and smooth running style to your persistence in continuing to work and achieve your dream of winning the Olympic gold in the 200 m. Your intelligence and activism particularly on this issue which I as a doctor and very acutely aware of is yet another reason I look up to you. Major kudos from Canada
This is very informative. I don’t know why, but I always thought that once you get pregnant, working out, or like something as intense as marathon running would be dangerous for the baby. It’s really sad that a brand as loved as Nike (and many others) doesn’t offer maternal protection. It’s totally not fair that women athletes in these contracts are put into positions where they either choose their career or a family. Things need to change!
Wait this came out a year ago??? I’M JUST NOW GETTING THESE ADS! I was like “wtf? You’re 9 months! You’re going to have a miscarriage lifting all that!” When I saw that woman lifting weights. And not the small ones either. There’s a reason doctors tell women to be gentle with themselves after so many months of pregnancy. It’s like they’re trying to tell us to ignore our safety and induce miscarriages which causes a lot of trauma. Shame on Nike for every bit of this.
Thanks for speaking out. The public needs to know this. After hearing what happened to you and to Mary Cain, I will definitely try to figure out which sports company has a good balance between ethical practices, women to men ratio of employees and management, and product quality before I make a purchase. Again thanks for sharing, the public needs to know these things. Money & greed shouldn’t rule the world.
I don’t think this is faire with the company. Nobody forces you to sign a contract you do not like, if you want a different agreement then find another sponsor, don’t stir negative publicity as some sort of blackmailing technique. Anyways, I do not know how sponsorships work, but I would believe that these kind of contracts don’t usually entitle you to full benefits (sick leave and holidays) as a normal job would do.
I don’t understand why Nike should give her maternity. She isn’t an employee for Nike, she is sponsored, that is a very different type of relationship with the company. I believe that women and men in the U.S. should have that right, but it is a right given to employees, not business owners, freelance or independent workers such as these types of athletes. If a player in a women pro soccer team gets pregnant, the club must give the player maternity, not the sponsors, this should apply to her case as well.
Hmmmm … so Nike only change their policy when the short-comings are made public. Such an ethical company (sarcasm). It should have been standard procedure from day one … not just a reaction from being exposed. First the Kaepernic farce & now this. smh 🙁 I wouldn’t touch any of their products with a 10 foot pole.
Allyson Felix (who is one of my favorite athletes of all time)hats off to you, Alysia and Kara for speaking up. Glad Nike has changed it’s policy on Mat Leave and I hope that all other huge companies worldwide do the same. As well as the federal Government in the U.S. Mother’s need to able to stay home, recuperate and raise their babies until at least 2 years of age!
This is crazy! Maternity care and maternity/paternity leave must be provided by the state, like in every country in the modern world. Otherwhise you become a slave under employers. Same with health care. It cannot be dictated by employers… 🙄 Get Bernie Sanders and Tulsi Gabbard into the White House…
Needs more publicity. It should be a right. This is not good. Nike gets the publicity but will not allow a woman to tend to her need to nurture her young. On the one hand you claim to encourage women to follow their dreams – just not this one? Okay. Duly noted. I will be interested to see what they come up with. If they are not permitted paid time off then they might as well be show horses. Wait a minute, I seem to remember even they get time off. Really like Nike a lot less having watched this.
👏👏👏👏 all I can say to this is THANK YOU ! Thank you for shedding a light on this. Thank you for risking your future earnings to stand up for what you believe in. Thank you taking charge in a fight so future generations are better off. Just thank you! You are so brave . I hope for nothing but the best for you and your family 💕
Well she’s inspirational and motivational. She had a tough pregnancy and her baby needed to be in Nicu and yet with her motherly and spouse duties she still made it back to run and take her position back in track and field in 6 months. Very inspirational to other women. we can do anything regardless of our obstacles.
Playing Devil’s advocate and not forming an opinion based on so few facts….. what’s Nike’s reasoning for it? Strictly looking at it from a logical perspective, I wonder if the issue is that after childbirth, the same level of performance, publicity, likelyhood of winning a competition all decrease? So looking at it, again logically and objectively, treating everyone equal would entail the same treatment when those criteria are met, whether they be man or woman. If a man were to be out of the spotlight for near a year, undergo a change to his body, which will never be the same again, and have the same chances of success and publicity/fame for Nike to capitalize on, I assume he would get similar offers, no? Also, hows the employment contract formed? Is this a 1099 situation or a w-2 situation? You can’t expect a company to provide the same level of benefits and protections to a contractor, that it would an employee. Theres a lot of legal muck that takes place with liability, and theres a big diff. Between being a contractor and an employee. Thoughts?
NICE TO SEE WOMEN FIGHTING FOR RIGHTS I DIDNT KNOW ABOUT THIS BEFORE THIS article THIS JUST SHOWS WHATS BEHIND CLOSED DOOR DURING SPORT I RESPECT EVERY WOMEN WHO IS FIGHTING FOR THIS AND I WANT TO SAY ONE LAST THING WHICH IS NIKE IS HORIBLE DONT LET THEM DEFET US WE ARE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER WOMEN ARE POWERFUL
I’m not sure what they want as far as maternity rights. From what I understand these athletes have shoe and performance contracts. They get paid to wear Nike shoes in races and depending on how well they perform or the buzz around their social media will determine what Nike pays them to race in their gear. Do they want to still be paid while off? Most people can work a regular office job @ 7-8 mos pregnant but you can not competitively compete and train at the level of a pro athlete at even 4 or 5 mos honestly and depending on the woman 1 or 2 months. So you want them to pay you while pregnant, pay you while you’re taking care of your child in those early months and Pay you while you are getting back in shape to and they are not even sure if you’ll snap back and be in the shape you were?
This is insane!! I would have never thought something like this would happen to these athletes, Maternity rights!! How can that legally be denied in this day and age?? We’ve gone from hurting and controlling each other with the sword, to doing it with the pen and laws that protect the strong and do nothing for the little people that make them richer, sad.
She says that “just men” write the contracts. I think the larger problem is that they are husbands, who truly don’t understand pregnancy and are out of touch with their wives well being through the process. Or the fact that they haven’t been through any of that themselves. As a father myself, there is no excuse on not understanding pregnancy and the complications associated with it.
I’m so very HAPPY for this BEAUTIFUL Queen, that she had her child and is healthy!! These companies DO NOT support women as they’d want us to believe! We have to keep the fire going under their proverbial feet, so they’ll know there’s no place for this treatment of our women! They ought to be CELEBRATED as women for all they do in sports and as mothers. They GIVE life and should be supported!!💯
She was right when she said THEY USED HER! They did, she is an amazing women. Her accomplishments should speak for themselves! This is just another example of why women get scared to get pregnant in life especially when it comes to their jobs, and many loose their jobs as soon as their company finds out. So proud of women speaking up!
When I saw Alysia Montaño speaking up, I started boycotting Nike. What Nike doesn’t understand is in most families, it’s the WOMEN who makes the budget & DECIDES what to purchase. So if I decide not to buy their shoes, it means I won’t buy it even for my kids or husband. They just lost sales of 4 pairs from my family alone. Imagine if all families come together and do the same. Nike will definitely feel the punch.
The heart of the problem is what adding sports to our education system has done. So their answer is to pay student athletes, which really just opens up a can of worms for every other group in college that generates any money for a school. Let me ask you guys… is it fair to pay student athletes, who are used to increase tuition costs and profits for their schools, yet science and math departments in universities actual invent and discover new things that actually benefit humanity and the entire world, and they’re paid nothing. The real answer is to move Athletics OUT of schools completely. Move them to the local park. Let them benefit their towns, and compensate them the same way we do professional adult athletes. Sports could be a good way for kids to have a part time job after school, but they’ve destroyed our education system. Half your college tuition is a fee to join the club of the sports team they have.
You signed a contract based on incentives. When you signed it, you didn’t want kids and were happy with the overall structure of the contract, by your own admission. Midway through the life of the contract you changed your mind and decided that you wanted to have kids. Now that you changed your mind, all your previous commitments should be changed too to accommodate your fickleness??? GTFOH!
Nike should be sued. Allyson, Alyisha, Kara. Mary and others are hero’s. In 2021 women in ALL industries are making less and treated poorly (maternity leave, equal pay for more or equal work still disparity, sexual harassment, advancement, etc). It has to stop and women need to stand up for other women, not tear them down or the glass ceiling and other options will not move for ourselves or daughters.
Allyson doesn’t state that Nike was paying her over million dollars a year in her peak. She was offered 30% of her peak contract because of her age (most world class sprinters Allyson age are retired or in severe decline) and the fact she didn’t win the 400 meters Olympic Gold in Rio. Nike also offered her a contract full of incentives besides the 30% base pay, but Allyson felt offended someone of her stature would receive a large pay cut that had nothing to do with her being pregnant. It’s good she stood up for maternity rights, but she shouldn’t act as if she left Nike only because of that. Nike still offered her hundreds of thousands per year, and she would have been in line to be a paid lifetime ambassador of the brand like Joan Benoit Samuelson is.
I’ve always said that the healthcare and insurance industries are governed by men. The don’t have a clue as to the toll that pregnancy and childbearing has on our bodies. In addition to working, cleaning, cooking, homework and that’s just to name a few of our daily tasks. It can be overwhelming to say the least. Nike has the money. They need to do the right thing.
Truthfully, it’s NOT about those in control being MOSTLY or ALL men. It’s about the MENTALITY of those in control. I work for a company where 7 of the 8 people in charge of making decisions pertaining to ANY and ALL paternity issues are women. Yet, they still make it VERY hard for pregnant women or recent mothers. The reality is this: it is NOT about SEXISM it is about the BOTTOM line, that good ol American dollar. In the company’s eyes motherhood equals a distraction and less availability of the mother. Less availability to them means less PROFITS. If companies could look pass the MONEY, they would see how treating women FAIRLY, as well as marketing the BEAUTY of MOTHERHOOD would be extraordinarily profitable if done right…#GIVEmeJESUS
This is an example of not thinking it through. She’s getting paid by Nike to compete. If she can’t compete, why would they pay her? Would they pay her if she broke a leg? That’s how most businesses operate. If you don’t work, you don’t get paid. For any other condition that might keep you from work for an extended period, you’d have insurance to cover that. I just don’t see why the business you work for needs to compensate you or give you time off for a personal decision affecting your ability to work for them.
Nike can not only pave the way for its athletes by providing BOTH maternity and paternity leave (with insurance) AND remove the confidentiality clause as to all parts of their contracts except compensation rates (I understand why that should be confidential). If Nike rethinks its entire compensation system for athletes with BOTH a PR lens and a legal lens, so much more can be gained by becoming a company that adapts to changing priorities. They can level the field by acknowledging that the male athletes should also be present for their partners post-partum. Base compensation can be tiered to baseline with bonuses for achievements but with guaranteed insurance coverage for up to a year post-partum if pregnancy causes the athlete to stop competing altogether. Nevertheless, they also have to be careful under ADA and FMLA to not discriminate due to pregnancy because that is a federal violation. Their behavior at NIKE seems to think about athletes under the sole lens of that athlete’s physical performance rather than the “big picture” as to what supporting that athlete through recovery would mean to its brand. If they ever manage to hire a sport psychologist for their running team, they should have that person review the language in the contract tied to performance expectations because these athletes live and breathe these contracts and it affects how they view everything tied to competition and training. Humanity needs to return to these arrangements.
She should not be the spokesperson for mother’s rights. Her demands are unreasonable and trivialize the challenges that most women face in the workplace. She’s not asking for paid time off (she already got that.) She’s not asking to keep her job open for her to return to (she got that too.) She’s asking to keep getting paid even if she’s never able to do her job again. The first two are real problems that we need to fix for all Americans. The last one is not a reasonable demand.
I have a question, and I hope it can be received without unnecessary anger and vitriol. If you have a good answer for me, please respond. Nike is paying these elite athletes, to be at the top of their games, correct? Nike doesn’t give endorsement contracts, to athletes that are 43rd best, or to the average gym goer. These athletes are charged with becoming great, and capitalizing on their greatness. They tend to have small windows to do this – depending on the sport – as all athletes necessarily age, and eventually become less capable in their sport. Their potential as a brand will diminish, and Nike will have no obligation to renew contracts pay them at this point … Correct? Also, if a younger athlete in his/her prime gets injured and is no longer good at the sport, Nike will have no obligation to renew contracts and pay them at this point … Correct? Also, if the athlete makes a personal decision that is potentially damaging to his/her ability to perform – political hunger strike, taking a season off to be with family, personal hard drug use, Nike will have no obligation to renew contracts and pay them at this point … Correct? Can we agree on the above? If so, I find myself confused by the argument being made in the article … How does Nike have any moral obligation to these athletes, outside of their performance/outside of their ability to sell jerseys, shoes, apparel, etc … Why is Nike supposed to insure athletes against a personal, elective choice which will likely have a less than positive impact on the athlete’s ability to maintain their elite status, for a longer period?
If the argument is that being a mother reduces your bank ability and market value, then look at Serena Williams. Her market value is noted to have gone up (arguably) because she now has a wider market (she not only does Nike Ads, but mom/parent-oriented ads). I don’t understand company’s policies that restrict mothers, mothers are an asset.
NIKE isn’t a social service !! She’s a track athlete, if she gets pregnant then she’s prioritized her current situation. I guess she expects to get paid for the they take off🤨? Now the bully campaign, trying to force Nike. I’d cut off negotiations (base it on her current performances) and promote someone who’s hungrier & more driven with fewer distractions🏃🏾♂️🏃🏾♂️🏃🏾♂️
My point is: Every woman must be respected. Period. Not even a discussion about it. BUT A woman can’t pursuit a carrer and have a baby at the sametime. There’s nothing wrong about pick one or another. It’s HER decision. My point is: Is it fair to a woman not work and still receive salary? The small businessman gotta pay woman employee and have a person less to work with. Is it fair? A woman can work, make money and have a baby! Woman are awesome!
I’d be okay with a limit of 6 months maternity and post-partum leave/reduced athletic requirements. No need to be open-ended, but also don’t offer no maternity benefits. 6 months is enough I think. 9 months would be better. Maybe be like, 12 months total per 5 year contract or something? The sponsor needs some exposure guarantees, but the women also need protection.
I was browsing through YouTube and found this article by Allison Felix. This is sad if the sponsors are doing this to female athletes. I am hoping NIKE changes their policy and business practices to protect female athletes during pregnancy. We cannot achieve equality if female athletes are treated this way. Maybe NIKE will lead the way in making this change and the rest will follow.
Ms. Felix can talk now. She’s done in the sport. Nike in turn is smart for NOT paying women who run track to NOT run track at the previous level during or after a pregnancy. From a business stand point i cant help but be on the NIKE side. If you plan to RUN TRACK professionally then getting preggo can not be part of the plan.
The Danger of NOT having Maternity Leave & Protection in Sports is that it pressures you to perform while pregnant hiding your pregnancy (This can cause death or complications during pregnancy)! afterwards you may Not have time to recover from your Pregnancy due to the athletes demand of training. This is Not convenient as the body sometimes needs 9Months -1 year to return to its previous condition. Let’s Protect our Mothers out there
Despite its mission to serve women and families, most Planned Parenthood health centers do not offer paid parental leave to their employees, the Times reports. … Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, employers with more than 50 workers are required to provide most employees with 12 weeks of leave to care for a newborn.
This is a beyond sports American women are not protect maternity leave is necessary for all women and families. FML does not address child birth, yes, you can use it, but that is not what it is for. Taking care of a family or yourself as ill or injured. Americans needs to respect their women and stop pointing fingers at so called other countries that are not.
I have mixed feelings about this. If you sign a contract you should adhere to the terms of the contract. The problem is that the athletes to should push NOT to have this in their contract. Nike is going to push for terms that are favorable to them, as the limited partner in this deal, you should push for terms that meet your sensibilities and/or terms that you can live with.
In the UK most employed prospective Mothers and Fathers would’ve payed into the system which this lady and her Husband clearly have. Shes a world class athelete doing what she loves for her country. Mothers will still take at least two weeks of maternity leave straight after the birth, but after that up to 50 weeks of leave and 37 weeks of pay can be shared between parents. Statutory shared parental pay is £139.58 per week or 90% of your average weekly earnings, whichever is less. You have to take into account the inevitable such as breastfeeding, unforeseen complications and circumstances. I knew a lady who went back to a very physical job with me and it was bad news for her, no recovery time plus the worry. You need maternity, it’s about health and wellbeing for both Mums and Dads. Any Father worth his salt would never want the Mother to have nothing and no protection especially when he’s watched her work hard and pay in. This is the 21st Century, she’s doesn’t feel entitled, she’s fighting for everyone, that’s not selfish..good luck to her.
She said African American women have a higher complications rate giving birth than any other race. You’re an “OLYMPIC ATHLETE” you shouldn’t be worried about any complications cause you’re at the fittest level in your life and have the best health in the world 🌎 🌍 🙄 complaining about race, gender, ads, and compensation when she’s already rich and accomplished. Take her to Saudi please
Although most people don’t get paid for maternity leave, it’s not fair that men don’t have to worry about their pay or career changing and get to have the benefits of having children when women are the ones carrying the child and giving life to the child, and we don’t get to even keep our jobs half the time. Sooooo many other countries pay their moms while they’re out! It’s just crazy.
Felix I love her, and I’m happy she’s bringing something like this to awareness, but I’m sorry, this is not Nike’s fault. Athletes are paid by performance. If you are going to expect that everyone be paid continuously through pregnancy and after, then you might as well ask ALL athletes be paid the same at all times, which we know isn’t going to happen. Athletes by nature are entertainers. When a singer gets pregnant and has to take a break from touring, or a an actress has to turn down a bunch of movies because of pregnancy or the length of time after giving birth, you can’t expect the same money to flow in as before. You have to plan ahead. Who says women athletes have to give birth at their prime physique? Most athletes retire before 35, and in today’s society, it’s perfectly fine for women to give birth after 35. It actually is a neccesity for many individuals to build up time to have the financial stability. So rather put the blame on Nike who is really, SPONSORING these athletes, it should be that men AND women PLAN their lives with that in account. Sure you have to give up some of your life to be an athlete, but that’s the same with the amount of life given up for training, diligence in eating, etc.
i really hope these female athletes who were previously under nike and are currently under nike are able to unite and fight for their rights. i never understood how committees made up entirely of men can just make decisions about a woman’s life without even asking another woman or even bothering to do any research on the topic at hand. it’s so disgusting and i really hope we can see some proper equality in the athletic industry one day