The disastrous fire in Savar, Bangladesh has prompted some of the wrong kinds of response from western media. The discussion revolves around the correct idea that western consumers are crazy to buy cheap clothes, and that retailers like Walmart, Gap, Benetton, and, here in Canada, Joe Fresh provide these by manufacturing the clothes with almost-slave labour working in unsafe Bangladeshi facilities. The proposed solution that I have heard again and again is that in the absence of more information, western consumers should simply buy western made goods.
Is this the right solution? Surely, we want the Bangladeshi economy to prosper, provided workers are safe, well-protected against labour abuses, and well-paid, relative to the local standard of living. We do not want to support people who become rich in Bangladesh by using slave labout.
Recently, Gildan Activewear (a large Canadian manufacturer of casual clothing) publicized its ethical investment in a Bangladeshi factory. The Globe and Mail reports that Gildan bought Shahriyar Fabrics in Savar for $15 million:
Built in 2009, the Shahriyar facility was almost new when Gildan executives first visited it. But even so, there were glaring hazards in the manufacturer’s two buildings, where 2,000 employees work, [Gildan CEO] Mr. Chamandy recounted. The main building, which is five storeys high, had no fire escapes. It had only a central staircase, and employees walked up and down with bundles of garments on their heads as there was no industrial elevator.
Gildan added fire escapes, an elevator and a water-treatment system. It also hired U.S.-based ABS Consulting to closely inspect the buildings. That analysis determined that the structures needed to be reinforced, at a cost of close to $1-million, Mr. Chamandy said.
Now, I have no idea whether Gildan pays its workers a fair wage. But let's stipulate that it ought to. And that it ought to do various other things to protect the health, safety, and happiness of its workers. My question is this:
Can we not have a "Fair Made" label, akin to the Fair Trade label (usually affixed to coffee that is produced in accordance with certain standards). The label would certifiy good labour practice?
This would preserve the Bangladeshi economy, encourage good standards, and put the consumer in a position to make ethical judgements.
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