Adidas says at least 30% of new U.S. positions will be filled by black or Latinx people

The company plans to fill at least 30% of new jobs in black or Latin American, Adidas announced On Tuesday, along with several other actions he is taking in response to recent protests over the death of George Floyd and calls for racial justice.

In recent days, hundreds of Adidas employees have left their jobs to demonstrate in front of the North American headquarters in Portland, Oregon, asking Adidas to better support employees on the black market, report from the Portland Business Journal. Adidas, like other sportswear companies, profited from sponsorship deals with black athletes and celebrities and using black culture as inspiration for design and marketing schemes.

“We had to look at ourselves as individuals and our organization and think of systems that belittle and silence black individuals and communities,” he said. “As we discuss the importance of inclusion, we need to do more to create an environment where all of our employees will feel safe, heard and have equal opportunities for career advancement.”

In addition to the 30% new minimum employment, Adidas said it plans to announce an additional “goal aimed at increasing the representation of blacks and Latinos in our North American workforce.” Adidas declined to say what percentage of its workforce in the U.S. or North America is currently made up of blacks.

Adidas will also donate $ 20 million over the next four years for three initiatives it says support black communities: Adidas Legacy, the company’s core basketball platform for underrated communities; Adidas School of Design Education Experience that helps people create careers in footwear design; and Honor Black Excellence, which the company describes as “an initiative that respects and supports the Black Community through sport”.

Adidas said it also plans to fund 50 scholarships a year for undeclared employees at “partner” universities, but did not provide additional details.

“We recognize the huge contribution of the black community to our success and the success of others,” the company said in a statement. “We promise to improve our company’s culture to ensure equality, diversity and opportunity. We understand that the fight against racism is a fight that must be waged continuously and actively. We must and will do even better.”

Correction: A previous version of this article misrepresented the timeline for which Nike plans to donate funds.

Correction: A previous version of this article misrepresented the amount Nike intends to donate over four years.