Nike Worker Strikes Begin After Suspension of E-Commerce Sales in Türkiye
The globally renowned sportswear giant Nike has encountered several challenges after suspending its e-commerce sales in Türkiye. Worker strikes have begun at some of the company’s stores in the country.
In Türkiye, where Nike has the most stores in Europe, labor strikes have started at its retail locations. Approximately 250 unionized retail workers across nine Nike stores in Türkiye have gone on strike due to the failure to reach an agreement on the collective labor contract. The workers are demanding job security and compensation rights in the event of potential store closures.
Nike operates a total of 60 stores across Türkiye. The nine stores affected by the strike are directly managed by Nike, while other franchise stores in the country are not part of the collective labor contract. Unionized workers at Nike are concerned about job security. Following the suspension of e-commerce sales, employees are worried about the company’s future in Türkiye. They are also demanding better compensation in case of layoffs or further store closures. The company recently closed two of its stores in the country.
No Agreement Reached on Collective Bargaining!
In ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between Nike and the union, disagreements have arisen over issues such as bonuses, seniority premiums, meal allowances, and disciplinary committees. The union has stated that it will continue to fight for a contract that guarantees workers’ rights. Currently, the strike affects only the nine company-operated stores, with other franchise locations remaining outside of the process.
Nike confirmed in a statement that discussions with the union are ongoing, but no collective labor agreement has been reached yet. The company stated, “We will continue to work openly and determinedly to reach an agreement with the union representatives.”
Nike Operates 60 Stores in Türkiye
Nike positions Türkiye as a key operational hub within the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. However, the company is facing declining sales in the region in recent quarters. Nike operates 60 stores in Türkiye, a number higher than its stores in France and the United Kingdom.
Nike Suspended Online Sales in Türkiye
On August 10, 2024, after the Turkish government reduced the customs duty limit for international online shopping from 150 euros to 30 euros, Nike suspended its e-commerce operations in Türkiye. Nike’s website in Türkiye still displays a message stating that online orders are “currently suspended” seven months after the policy change. The company states that it cannot guarantee that orders will be “delivered smoothly and on time.” The message on Nike’s website reads: “Unfortunately, due to the recent customs regulations in Türkiye, it is currently not possible to shop on Nike.com or the Nike App.”
Since Nike does not have a warehouse in Türkiye, individual orders were previously fulfilled from distribution centers in Europe. According to the company’s production guide, Türkiye is listed as a manufacturing hub for clothing and equipment, but not for footwear production. Although Nike has suspended its direct online sales in Türkiye, some Turkish retailers can still sell Nike products online under license.