Globalisation: Sweatshops

Lesson Objectives What is a sweatshop? What is sweatshop labour like? Why do sweatshops exist? What is the link between sweatshops and child labour? Sweatshops: Ensuring Fair Trade

Lesson Tasks Read page 68: Rosa’s day Read and revise the information you have been given about a sweatshop. Hand in the information, then tell the other members of your group what you know. Complete the template sheet

What is a sweatshop? It is any workplace in which workers are subject to extreme exploitation. This includes not providing workers with benefits, acceptable working conditions, or a living wage. A living wage enables workers to cover the cost of basic needs, such as food, shelter, and healthcare; minimum wages usually don't cover these costs. People usually think of sweatshops with workers toiling away indoors in cramped, poorly-ventilated factories in places like China and Honduras. However, some of the biggest sweatshops are outside in the fields. Severe abuses against workers take place on plantations that grow bananas, sugar, pineapples and cut flowers.

What is sweatshop labour like? Sweatshop laborers generally work 60-80 hours per week (“9 – 5” days = 35 hours + 1hour/day for lunch) and are not paid enough to put food on the table, sometimes receiving just pennies a day for their labor. Often, the sweatshop environment is unsafe where workers are harassed, intimidated, forced to work overtime, and made to work in dangerous and unhealthy environments, even while ill. Workers handle toxic chemical paints, solvents, and glues with their bare hands.

Why do sweatshops exist? Sweatshops are a product of the global economy and so-called "free" trade. Companies increase profits by driving down costs any way possible, so they set up low-cost factories. To minimize costs, companies look for places with the lowest wages and human rights protections. Sweatshops can be found all over Central and South America, Asia, and certain regions of Europe. There are even undocumented workers in sweatshops in places like New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

What is the link between sweatshops and child labour? Children are employed in sweatshops because they work for less money and are less likely to complain about poor working conditions. Many of the children must work to help their parents, who are not paid enough to provide for the family. An education is out of the question for these children, who must work instead of going to school.

What is ‘Fair Trade’? Fair Trade = a trade system which promotes more equal global trade, especially to sellers and producers in poorer areas. It is a fair partnership between company owners and people who produce a product. Key features of Fair Trade:  Fair wages.  Opportunities for promotion.  Educating workers - highlighting potential dangers in their jobs.  Equal employment opportunities.  Long-term trade relationships.  Respecting workers’ rights and backgrounds.  Healthy and safe working conditions for workers.  Financial and technical assistance for workers.