01-04-2008, 03:04 PM
Kaan Wrote:Andy Wrote:14 Southeast asian countries pledge to adhere to strict labor laws that include 3 month maternity leave, 8 hour work day, right to unionize, safe work environment and no child labor in exchange for no tariff on their garments which approximates to 17% of their costs.
http://www.govtrack.us/congress/billtext...l=s110-652
http://www.heritage.org/Research/Tradean...wm1578.cfm
i'm going to say that its going to cost more money for the products. all the stuff listed as a "plus" for workers will cost the companies some money... i'm sure they will claim the 17% tariff they are making back wont make up for the expence... and will charge more.
edit: if we arent there to enforce it... i would claim whatever i'm supposed to be doing... but if some woman asked for 3 months of pay and she doesnt work! oh hell no you are fired! if you only work 8 hours in a day... you better double your production! and my work shops are safe... i have TWO first aid kits!
Those protections are already in place. They just want to keep them in place. Without the tariff exemption, they will have to cut cost to stay competitive. These countries aren't getting fat off this exemption. The average cambodian worker makes 45 bucks a month with OT, they can make up to 70 bucks.
Kaan - Yes you have to trust that these nations are providing safe working conditions and NGO's are providing oversight at no cost to the taxpayer.
Two feet.