Friday, November 15, 2013

Blog 10: “US-linked factories close amid Bangladesh wage protests; 100 workers hurt in clashes”


“US-linked factories close amid Bangladesh wage protests; 100 workers hurt in clashes”

Summary:

There are many US-linked factories in Bangladesh. There have been many violent protests near the capital Dhaka. The protestors are from 250 Bangladesh garment factories for retailers such as Wal-Mart. There are also factories for many leading Western brands like H&M, Gap INC, and Eagle Outfitters Inc. The protestors are demanding higher wages to keep providing cheap clothing. On the third day, the police intervened and there for about 100 injuries. Police used forces like rubber bullets and canisters of tear gas. According to Mohammad Atiqul Islam, president of Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association, "We have been forced to shut all garment factories in Ashulia fearing more vandalism, and also for security reasons after the unrest of the last few days". Other factories have responded in the same way. The workers currently make about $38 per month and are demanding $103 per month as a minimum wage.


Analysis:
The issue of workers working for such low wages deals greatly with inequality. This is an issue in many factories around the world. Workers are forced to work under harsh conditions for little pay. There is a great gap between upper and lower class that creates inequality. The workers are upset because they do not make enough money to support their family and living costs. Lower class citizens are often desperate for a job and will do tasks that many people in the Western World would not want to do. These huge companies take advantage of their place in society. The products that they receive as a result of these workers labor make them a huge profit. This profit should help support the workers.

http://worldnews.nbcnews.com/_news/2013/11/13/21436527-us-linked-factories-close-amid-bangladesh-wage-protests-100-workers-hurt-in-clashes?lite

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