Is Third World Worker Safety 100 Years Behind the US??

Sadly, 112 garment workers in Bangladesh died today because there were not adequate emergency exits. Many large companies, including Wal-Mart and Ikea purchase garments from the ill-fated factory owned by Tazreen Fashions Ltd.  This tragedy brings to mind a similar disaster in New York City back on March 25, 1911-- a 101 years ago!  

That infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Factory fire killed 146 garment workers. The managers had locked the exits to prevent the workers from leaving during working hours. Laws were written to prevent future disasters of this type, and yet a 101 years later, in another country, it happens again!

The Bangladesh  factory was routinely inspected for safety on behalf of Wal-Mart. While Wal-Mart gets a little slack for at least attempting to ensure worker safety, they seem to have set the bar very low. The factory had been given a high risk rating back in May 2011.  Rather than force safety measures, Wal-Mart has a loose policy of  three strikes and you’re on probation for a year.  Wal-Mart can and should do more to ensure worker safety.  Just because the products are not made in the US, that should not be a license to operate factories irresponsibly in foreign countries.

  This is the dark side of cost driven capitalism. They are seeking out the lowest possible cost for their products, and that means finding the lowest possible wages to pay workers. It also means that factories like the one in  Bangladesh  are doing everything they can to keep their costs low, which results in substandard facilities, and blatant safety risks for their workers. 

Next time you purchase an inexpensive garment from Wal-Mart remember the hardship these people endure. Think about them when you wear the garment. Try to bring your shame  up to the surface of your consciousness  for falling into the “cost-is-king” ethic, and for knowingly supporting such deplorable working conditions.  Then go out and pay more money for an American made garment, and wear it with honor and dignity. You’ll feel better.