Nike allegedly misclassified independent contractors in several countries

According to The Guardian and documents obtained by the newspaper, Nike could face a fine of more than $530 million for misclassifying independent contractors. The Guardian reported Friday that the documents reveal the misclassification, which could expose the footwear maker to a fine or even a lawsuit. The sporting goods manufacturer employs more than 79,000 people worldwide. The report shows that temporary workers were arguably misclassified in the USA, the U.K., the Netherlands and Belgium – countries with strict rules on using independent contractors to protect workers’ rights and ensure fair tax collection.