Wal-Mart and Sweatshops
Wal-Mart's acossiation with sweatshops.
The shops
Wal-Mart wasn't directly using the sweatshops, moreover a few companies that they were partnered with. Wal-Mart itself doesn't condone the usage of sweatshops, and has/will terminate partnership with and companies that use them such as JMS Garments Ltd Inc.
Location
Some of the sweatshops used by companies previously partnered with Wal-Mart are located in Zhongshan, China, and Chittagong, Bangladesh. These factories mainly produce clothing ands accessories.
Conditions
The conditions in the factories are terrible. The workplaces were dirty, not sanitized, and were rarely cleaned. The workers were paid illegally low wages, in China it could be as low as one half-cent an hour. The workers would also be mistreated, such as being beaten for being late to work by a minuet or even walking too fast. Some also have faulty wiring, causing fires. A majority of the fires occurr in Bangladesh factories. The resulting death toll is well over 1000.
Wal-Mart's response
As far as we know, Wal-Mart has discontinued service with the companies that use the sweatshops. However the companies still use the sweatshops.
Referances
By Jeff Gelles, T. I. (n.d). Wal-Mart Accused of Selling Rising Proportion of Sweatshop Apparel. Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA).
Gogoi, P. (2008). Wal-Mart Supplier Accused of Sweatshop Conditions. Businessweek Online, 5.
FRAZEER, C. D. (2011, April 21). Workers speak out against Walmart. New York Amsterdam News. p. 11.
Roberts, D., & Bernstein, A. (2000). 'A LIFE OF FINES AND BEATING'. Businessweek, (3701), 122-128
Industrial Revolutions effect on working conditions
The industrial Revolution showed us the rights and wrongs of the workplace. The numerous accidents and fires helped to show us how to improve the safety and quality of factories around the world. Unfortunately, many factories still use sweatshop conditions.
Solutions and alternatives to sweatshops
The solution to sweatshops is simple, improve working conditions and safety. The problem is that many companies refuse to do so due to the rate of production slowing down and because of the cost. Alternatives could be automated factories, or building safer factories in the first place.
What i learned
I have come to discover the terrible conditions of sweatshops. The hundreds that have suffered and perished just to make a living for their families when they have no other option. Sweatshops should be either made to fit the modern standards, or destroyed.
My concerns
As I said, sweatshops should be abolishes in all countries. They may make our clothes, but at what cost. Many are abused or even killed in these terrible factories. Id rather pay more for a shirt than to have someone abused and killed so I could save $10.