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The Dangers of Buying Cheap T-shirts and Other Clothing

Saturday 11th of August 2007 04:28:23 AM

While there are programs in the UK like 'The Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI)' for clothing companies who outsource manufacturing jobs to other countries, some charity organisations like 'War on Want' are claiming that not enough is being done in terms of fair treatment for workers. For example, the organisation is claiming that in 2006, one hundred people were killed when they were trapped inside a factory in Bangladesh.

"The workers have confirmed that the emergency exits are often kept locked because they want to keep control over the workers, and they don't like the idea of people being free to leave," said John Hilary, campaigns and policy director for 'War on Want'.

Because many clothing companies in the UK, US, and Canada manufacture uniforms,T-Shirts, and other clothing in factories like the ones in Bangladesh, there has been a lot of concern as to who is responsible for managing employees and ensuring their safety. Companies like UK's Primark are trying to work with factory mangers by conducting audits of manufacturing processes to ensure that all workers are treated fairly, but they are aware the system is not perfect.

"Because we know audits are an imperfect tool, Primark has chosen as well to work with other retailers through the Ethical Trading Initiative in an effort to influence the Bangladeshi authorities to improve statutory protection for workers and to ensure factories adhere to the law," said a Primark spokesperson.

Since the demand for less expensive T-Shirts and other clothing has risen in many countries, it remains very difficult for companies to strike a balance between satisfying consumer demand and checking on the status of workers in factories overseas.

(c)Tomas M, www.sxc.hu