To be sure, it is a short piece in the part of the newspaper that many readers tend to gloss over, page two. The title, Bangladesh garment workers’ minimum wage boosted, leads one to feel that finally there is a small bit of justice for workers in an industry that has cost so many lives and inflicted so much suffering on woefully underpaid garment workers.
The story reveals that the government of Bangladesh has approved an increase in the monthly minimum wage for entry-level garment industry workers to 5,300 taka ($72 Canadian) from 3,000 taka (about $40). However, the part that gave me pause, the part that spoke volumes about the relationship that exists between companies like Walmart, Joe Fresh and Benetton and the factory owners was this: ... factory owners ... said they would ask retailers to shoulder part of the costs (of the raise).
As we all know, it is common practice in the first world that when production costs go up, those costs are passed on to customers. The fact that the owners in Bangladesh can only express the hope for normal marketplace forces really places scrutiny on all of the big names in retailing to see if their past expressions of sympathy for the plight of garment workers are anything more than sanctimonious platitudes.
Indeed, now is a fine opportunity for Benetton, Joe Fresh, Walmart, etc. to show their true colours.
It is sad and quite common in Bangladesh, India, China and many other Asian countries. That is what is called capitalism. Too many do too much for very few rich ones.
ReplyDeleteThis time, LD, if they refuse to go along, at least the companies' hypocrisy will evident for all to see.
Deletehi Lorne...as LeDaro says that is what is called capitalism. The factory owners are greedy bastards and so are the big retailers who have their products made in such places. The good news is that the workers are fighting for their rights. Good for them....
ReplyDeleteHi Simon. The battle seems especially formidable for the Bangladeshi workers, especially given that their government has to approve of any wage increases, another obstacle in their path for decent pay and conditions.
DeleteThe wage increase is a small, but welcome first step, but a higher wage doesn't mean much if a worker is killed or severely injured due to unsafe working conditions.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, Anon. We can only hope this is just the beginning of better times for those who slave away so we can wear cheap clothing.
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