My Polo Jacket
From Mexico
Bad pay, bad conditions
Labor is a lot cheaper in Mexico than in the Unites States, so it is cheap and convenient for American companies to have their products made in Mexico. Each shift is from 8.30 am until 8.30 pm , but if workers do not complete the number of clothes they have been told to make that day, they must work longer without any pay.
On Saturdays, people must work from 8 am until 5 pm without a lunch break.
Workers are paid between $30 and $50 per week.
Girls as young as 12 and 13 work in the factory.
Living Conditions In Sweatshops
Many of these factories, as well as the women's living quarters, are crowded, filthy, and rat-infested. They are located behind barbed wire fences that are monitored by armed guards. Not only are the women not allowed to come and go freely, but they are forbidden to have visitors. Thus, they are not given the opportunity to air their grievances to anyone who may be in a position to help them. Additionally, the women are always under the threat of corporal punishment. The women are verbally abused, spat on, and beaten. They are not allowed to take breaks or go to the bathroom during their shifts, and are fined if they do so.
Child Labor Laws
One out of every eight children in Mexico currently works. More specifically, almost 4 million out of the 29 million children between the ages of five and 17 are involved in child labor according to the most recent official figures. In November 1989, the United Nations General Assembly approved the Convention on the Rights of the Child. A year later, the Mexican State ratified the Convention and as a consequence started working towards improving children’s rights.
Personal Thoughts
I think this is cruel and disgraceful to humans. I also think this should be stopped for the greater good for these sweatshop workers.