Sweatshop Working Conditions in Bangladesh Map of Bangladesh

Sweatshop Working Conditions in Bangladesh

Map of Bangladesh

Labor Rights Issues • Safety: More than 2000 people have died in Bangladesh since 2006, according to the Clean Clothes Campaign. • Working Conditions: Many of the factories lack fire escapes, windows or emergency exits. • Living Wages: The average wage for garment workers in Bangladesh is 10 to 30 cents an hour.

Garment Industry • Bangladesh is the third largest exporter of garments to the U. S. , following only China and Vietnam. • In 2009, Bangladesh shipped $3. 41 billion worth of garments to the U. S. • The United States is not trying to steal garment jobs from Bangladesh. In fact, 97 percent of all garments purchased in the U. S. are imports – with Bangladesh as the third largest supplier.

Garment Industry (continued) • There are only 75, 140 sewing operators left in the U. S. , in comparison with Bangladesh's 3. 5 million garment jobs. • U. S. garment wages range from $8. 25 (573. 38 taka) to $14 (973 taka) per hour, based on production. This does not include healthcare, vacation, holidays and other benefits. • In the United Kingdom, garment workers earn a minimum wage of $7. 58 (526. 81 taka) to $9. 11 (633. 15 taka) per hour, depending on the worker's age and experience. Again, this does not include healthcare and other benefits.

Loss of Life Garment factory accidents in Bangladesh have claimed the lives of more than 1, 000 workers. The most recent was a deadly collapse of a factory building in May 2012 that killed 1, 127, and came after two factory fires last fall that also killed more than 100 workers.

Working Conditions Factory Inspections and Safety Commitment • Establishing Common Safety Standards for Factories • Worker Training • Worker Voice • Oversight of Alliance

Wages Country Hourly Wage Malaysia 73 cents Nicaragua 65 cents Bahrain 57 cents Thailand 56 cents India 55 – 68 cents Mauritius 55 – 65 cents Vietnam 52 cents

Wages (continued) Country Hourly Wage Egypt 50 – 87 cents Mexico 50 – 53 cents Sri Lanka 46 cents Pakistan 37 cents Indonesia 35 cents Cambodia 24 cents Bangladesh 21 cents

Labor Rights Goals • To ensure garment workers receive a fair living wage, decent working conditions, and that women workers receive the same treatment as men. • To increase awareness among workers, particularly women, of their labor rights. • To strengthen the collective voice of workers by increasing the number of unions and members. • To strengthen women’s leadership in the labor rights movement and to promote a democratic and progressive society.