The Deplorable Fashion Working Conditions in Southeast Asia

The global textile/fashion industry is estimated to be worth over $450 billion, making it one of the most important sectors due to the large number of people it employs. Southeast Asian countries are home to some of the biggest manufacturers due to the low operating and labor costs that these companies benefit from. However, the favorable trading environment for the corporations comes at a cost to the millions of factory workers who depend on the giant companies for livelihoods.

Low Wages

To best illustrate the deplorable pay that workers, especially women receive in return for their services, it is best to use a recent case. A 21-year old Cambodian used to work for Kaoway Sports, which employs close to 1,000 women. Her pay was $ 66 every month before she quit. She and her colleagues took to the streets to demand a raise, among other things. Her 18-year old workmate who also participated in the demonstrations is currently nursing bullet wounds on her arm that she sustained during the protests. The saddest part is that she cannot work until she fully recuperates, yet her family is entirely dependent on her for financial support. Many of these employees are often unaware which brands they are producing for or the labor laws that prevail in their respective countries, which hamper their bargaining power considerably.

Forced Overtime

The normal working hours for most employees range from 10-12, but they are forced to put in between 12 and 18 due to the tough deadlines their employers have to meet. It is not uncommon to find textile workers putting in 13 to 14 hours daily non-stop as they sew garments meant for export. What is most painful is that their arms usually feel stiff and sore from working such long hours without rest. In Thailand garment factories, workers are sometimes compelled to work day and night shifts or else they face consequences like dismissal, monetary penalties, and verbal abuse.

Unhealthy/Unsafe Working Environments and Conditions

A majority of the factory owners do not invest in protective gear for their employees, which often results in injuries. The lengthy working hours that employees have to put in also lead to exhaustion, eye-strain, and issues resulting from poor ergonomics. Most of these health concerns get no attention due to time and funds limitations. Surprisingly, employees always face dismissal, wage cuts, and other consequences whenever they seek time off to get medical care. Some of the other inhumane conditions that often result in health-related issues include; the lack of clean drinking water, poor sanitation in washrooms, and exposure to hazardous chemicals, noise, and heat.

Outright Discrimination

When factory workers in Southeastern Asian countries become visibly pregnant, there is an array of consequences that awaits them. They face demotions and pay cuts that often result in summary dismissals later on if they complain. Some of the reported cases of discrimination include higher than usual production targets, working in hot areas of factories, working while standing, and verbal abuse. This is irrespective of the fact that these employees often seek assistance from factory unions. In select instances, only women who are unmarried, childless, and not dating get to find employment. These women must also sign contracts where they agree not to get pregnant as long as they work in the respective factories.

Sexual and Physical Harassment

Cases of sexual harassment and physical abuse are also common in textile/fashion industries. Women are usually the victims of these vices but are often unable to act for fear of further victimization. Cases of rape are also common, especially when women make their way home after working till late.