Business Memo

.docx

School

Washington State University *

*We aren’t endorsed by this school

Course

580

Subject

Economics

Date

Feb 20, 2024

Type

docx

Pages

Uploaded by CommodorePigeonPerson202 on coursehero.com

Millikin University Business Memo LaVareon Campbell Globalization and World Economics MB520 Andrew Greta 9-20-23

1. Compare the conditions for garment workers you saw in the film to those in factories in the U.S. in the early 20th century. How are they similar and how are they different? Compare the conditions for garment workers to conditions for factory workers in the United States and other Western countries today. What is the difference? What do you think makes conditions better in some countries? What allowed workers in the West to secure better working conditions, higher salaries, health insurance, and a chance at entering the middle class? “The True Cost" documentary sheds light on the harsh conditions that were faced by the garment workers within the developing countries. Mainly in Asia, as they were producing some clothing for the western consumers. When comparing these conditions to those in factories in the U.S. and in the early 20 th century, we are going to have to take a dive into the similarities and differences. Things that I noticed were a part of the similarities between Garment workers and Early 20 th Century. Long hours stood out to me as workers were faced with excessively long working hours. Those shifts were between 12-16 hours, and you have and can see that today with some shifts being worked that long. Another thing that stuck out as well was low wage pay, wages earned by garment workers today in some developing countries are somewhat comparable. Unsafe working conditions is another one to point out that both have in common, it’s hot and buildings weren’t in stable condition to work in. Being exposed to all toxic chemicals and dangerous machinery was a big downfall as well. Safety measures in the early 20 th century were a huge issue as well. Secondly, to get into the differences between the workers and early 20th century one topic I will be focusing on is Legal Protections. The laws were different from the 20 th century to how the Garment labor laws and regulations in the western countries are today. The 20th century had less minimal legal protection than at the time. Organizations such as the unions and workers within the movements in western countries played a huge role in trying to secure better

conditions. Many developing countries tend to have weaker labor movements, making it harder for the garment workers to push for their rights within the industry. However, the conditions for Garment workers in developing countries vs Western Countries today have more differences that tend to stick out over similarities. Wages and Benefits are of course going to be different and that is for many reasons being able to have access to social safety nets and opportunities inside and outside of these jobs as well. Garment workers in western countries today seem to generally be into enjoying higher wages and better benefits like no one else would. This includes health insurance and benefits to help better them along where they need to go. Also, Western Countries enforce stricter safety regulations and workplace exceptions, so therefore this can reduce the risk of things happening within industrial work. This can include guidelines for workplace ventilation, fire safety protocol and chemical exposure. Another thing to think about is the labor unions in the western countries help to speak out for better working conditions and higher wages on behalf of the workers. This helped lead onto the establishment of middle-class jobs with decent pay and benefits. Several different factors contribute to better working conditions in Western countries today. Such as strong labor movements, social welfare systems, economic development and regulations and enforcement. These different factors pushed a movement that has historically allowed workers to have a say in their rights and make way for better conditions. Social welfare within western countries helps give back so they have unemployment benefits, healthcare for their children and themselves. Other safety protocols to protect themselves within the workplace.

Your preview ends here

Eager to read complete document? Join bartleby learn and gain access to the full version