It has been a year since the horrific travesty in Bangladesh, but sadly things do not seem to be getting better. Out of the 5000 factories located in Bangladesh, less than 300 of them have successfully been able to form unions. Amirul Haque Amin, president of the country’s National Garment Workers’ Federation, has stated “I think it is really hard to say that an ethical factory exists in Bangladesh at present. As a trade union we cannot say that. We can simply say that factories are moving towards better conditions.” He continued on by explaining that his union has doubled the factories where it is present to 42 within the past 12 months. While this is indeed an improvement, it is not nearly enough in the grand scheme of things. We need to remember that these are people who risk their lives to make only a few dollars a day. The minimum wage has been increased since last year by 77% and while that percentage might sound impressive, the average monthly salary of a factory worker is still barely $68.14. The majority of the factory buildings still have not complied with basic safety standards. There were 1,100 workers who lost their lives in the factory collapse last year. There were an additional 2000 workers who were injured. Yet, there are still international companies who are fine being complacent with such unsafe and unfair workplace practices. Companies such as Benetton’s Olimpias freely admit that they continue to employee factories with less than ideal business and safety practices. One representative was quoted as saying “None of the buildings here have outside fire exits. It’s not my fault.” While another came to the defense of child labor by saying “At least they are not on the streets.” These kind of statements, especially released on the behalf of a company are revolting. Factory circumstances will not get better from the inside, it has to come from their employers. Employers such as Olimpias who apparently do not care about the lives of others as long as they continue to make outstanding profits.
How quickly do you think conditions would change if these international companies refused to continue business unless standards were met? The answer is immediately.It is these multibillion dollar companies that are ultimately responsible for allowing these abhorrent factory conditions to continue. This is almost wishful thinking though. When clothes are made for pennies on the dollar and then turned around and sold for 1000% of what they cost there is not much motive for change. Instead of placing sanctions on Russia, maybe the U.S. should be placing sanctions on any factory violators and anyone who affiliates with them.
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