Nike's new daycare program worries hundreds of employees

Nike's new plan to accommodate working mothers and fathers is seemingly counterproductive.

Hundreds of employees are grilling the shoe giant to expand its child development program – a benefit for the company that includes an on-site daycare at Nike's headquarters near Portland, Oregon. Currently, more than 500 families are benefiting from the decades-old subsidized program and hundreds more on a waiting list to enter, reports Bloomberg.

In order to develop its effective program and satisfy those hoping to access it, Nike would apparently intend to close its day-care center on-site and move into a larger building later.

The new site will be hosted by Nike's partner, Endeavor Schools, although the track and field company continues to oversee day-to-day operations.

Endeavor Schools has seen phenomenal revenue growth of 716% over the last three years, making it one of the fastest growing private companies in the United States.

"One of our key ingredients for growth is the care and dedication we provide to our wonderful employees, composed primarily of passionate educators dedicated to helping unleash the potential of students," he said. in a press release the general director of Endeavor Schools, Ricardo Campo.

But not all Nike workers are happy.

A petition has been circulating in the company in recent weeks to ask Nike to maintain the kids program on Nike's campus in Beaverton. According to Bloomberg, more than 1,300 people, including dozens of parents on the waiting list, have signed the document.

Some employees have complained of inconvenience, others worry about changes that could be implemented in Endeavor Schools.

It is unclear what would happen to staff members – teachers, caregivers, etc. – who manage the current program on site, although questions have also been raised about this. A person familiar with the expansion plan told Bloomberg that $ 10,000 bonuses had been offered to these workers throughout the transition and that they would be offered concerts at the new location, even they might lose some benefits.

"We do not want to sacrifice the service, we do not want to sacrifice quality," said Sandra Carreon-John, spokesperson for Nike, Bloomberg. "At the end of the day, these are not Nike's child care experts. We work with people who are. "

Carreon-John said the move would not be immediate.

"We wanted to give parents as much notice as possible. This is not done overnight, but between 18 and 24 months, "she told Fast Company, adding that many parents were delighted with the plan, especially those who would make it disappear.

Nike did not immediately respond to Fox Business's request for another comment Friday afternoon.

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Nike's Child Development Team offers children, from infants to 5 years old, educational activities throughout the day.

"The easy access to Nike's facilities and grounds provides opportunities for movement and activity. Child Development employees often participate in markets, athlete visits and other events on campus. development begins well, "says Nike on his website.