Gap, Nike, adidas Issue Statement on Coup in Honduras

Four leading apparel companies have called for a restoration of democracy in Honduras.

In a July 26, 2009 letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Nike, Gap, adidas Group and Knight Industries said they felt compelled "to join with the President of the United States, the governments of countries throughout the Americas, the Organization of American States, the UN General Assembly and the European Union in calling for the restoration of democracy in Honduras."

In a press release issued by the Maquila Solidarity Network, MSN Executive Director Lynda Yanz stated, "Until now, businesses and business associations - including those in the textile and apparel industries, which account for the majority of Honduras' exports - have publicly supported the coup, lobbied against trade sanctions, or remained silent and carried on business as usual under the military-imposed regime. This letter from major sportswear and apparel brands breaks that silence and calls unequivocally for the restoration of democracy in Honduras."

She added, "The question that remains is: Where are the other companies that are doing business in Honduras, including the three largest foreign investors in the country's apparel sector -- Fruit of the Loom/Russell Corporation, Hanesbrands and Gildan?"

The letter is posted on the Nike website.