by Derek Major
December 6, 2023
Nike generated more than $51 billion in 2022 making it a top apparel company however, it’s asking teachers to work for free.
Nike generated more than $51 billion in 2022, making it one of the top athletic apparel companies; however, at the same time, it’s asking teachers to work for free. Inc. reports multiple posts on Reddit’s Choosing Beggars subreddit, Nike is looking for certified essay readers to evaluate essays written by aspiring scholars without paying them.
“As a Certified Essay Reader, you’ll have the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of aspiring Scholars by evaluating 25 essays from the comfort of your own home or workplace between now and December 31, 2023. No travel will be required, as essays can be read wherever you have internet access (e.g., work, home, etc.),” the post states.
The certified essay reader position is unpaid, which can be seen as a slap in the face to educators across the country who’ve had to go on strike before and during the COVID-19 pandemic for better pay and benefits.
Teachers, counselors, and other school employees in Portland reached a tentative deal with the city’s public school district late last month, ending a three-week strike. However, the district acknowledged it will have to find more than $100 million in cuts to afford the contract. In New York City, Mayor Eric Adams announced more than $550 million in cuts from the Education Department’s budget.
The average public school teacher in the U.S. makes $66,397 per year. Meanwhile, the sneaker giant has paid Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and soccer star Christiano Ronaldo more than $1 billion each.
Americans have made gains regarding salaries to the point where many companies are now paying interns, and every military branch except the Marines is having trouble recruiting people despite promises of significant sign-on bonuses. Even delivery drivers in New York are receiving raises, which could lead to the elimination of tipping.
However, Nike isn’t the only for-profit company that has been looking for free labor.
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