Lamentable Employment

Most of the clothes we wear are made by people who work in deplorable conditions. To keep production costs down to maximize profits, many businesses build their factories in foreign countries where wages are low, rules are loose, and worker rights are limited or non-existent.For instance, workers in sweatshops owned by leading designer labels work long hours but are underpaid. This is in complete disregard for the laws mandating a minimum wage or overtime pay. In these factories, even child labor laws are violated and one may find children being employed to carry out duties that are only fit for adults.

The fashion industry can be notorious for its deplorable conditions, inhumane treatment, and poor salaries. A disturbing fact about this industry is that behind some of designer clothing are the sweat and blood of miserable workers. It is reported that the fashion industry outsources to developing countries to get more profit from cheap labor, and this trend has been increasing significantly. The clothes they produce are often sold for at least 10 times more.

In one interview, a worker said his two days’ pay was deducted because he was absent one day to seek medication. Some also said they work under dim lighting without proper ventilation systems, which have caused them respiratory problems and headaches.

In recent years, human rights activists have been at the forefront of exposing what workers go through in their workplaces. This is to ensure that employers who expose their employees to inhumane conditions are held accountable. In response, some factories have allowed their employees to form unions that they can use to bargain for higher wages and better working conditions.

In the US, a worker is allowed to file a complaint with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) if they believe their working conditions are unhealthy or unsafe. Federal regulations also allow an employee to refuse to work if a hazardous condition exists in the workplace, as long as this condition has been brought to the attention of the employer and the employer has not taken steps to remedy the situation