Sweatshops

 Look at the labels in your clothes – where are they made?  Where are the brands/shops based that design and sell most of the world’s clothes?

What is the legal monthly minimum wage for a garment worker in Bangladesh? a.£113 b.£32 c.£12 c.The minimum wage for a Bangladeshi garment worker is 1,662 Taka (£12.41 in 2006 prices when the new wage rate was introduced). The Asia Floor Wage campaign calculates that in ,754 taka (£80.30 in 2006 prices) is needed to pay for food and non food costs for a family of 2 adults and 2 children. Source:

What goes into making a shirt?

What would be a fair division of money between: Factory workers Factory managers Supplying agent Brand Retailer £30

Where the money goes Retailer: £16.33 Brand: £11.16 Supplying agent: £2 Factory managers: 26p Factory workers: 24p (less than 1%) Consumer pays £30

Shuma Sarkar video

Poor conditions found throughout supply chains  Permanently temporary employment with no contract (and no security)  Cannot join unions  No holidays  No sick pay  Getting into trouble if you're off sick

Poor conditions found throughout supply chains  Supervisors shout & use harsh punishments (lack of training, pressure)  Hourly wage so low that workers constantly have to do overtime  Managers threaten to sack workers if refuse overtime  No extra pay for overtime  Child labour

Positive things about the fashion industry for workers, their communities and countries  Jobs  Infrastructure  Factories and unions could offer health care, child care etc

Labour Behind the Label Supports garment workers' efforts worldwide to defend their rights. LBL: Educates consumers, lobbies companies and governments, raises awareness, and encourages international solidarity with workers.

Organise a Sweatshop Relay Plan and run a one-day sweatshop in your school Produce a product and sell it – give the profits to LBL

Sweatshop Relay  For a minimum of 7 -8 hours, recreate a factory production line, producing as many items as possible, in order to raise awareness of poverty wages and unacceptable working conditions that exist in today's fashion industry.  The relay should raise money for Labour Behind the Label and get those involved and others thinking about the issues in the global fashion industry.

Planning: things to consider  What item shall we produce? - Can we make the pattern easily?  How shall we best use our skills to organise the production line?  How will we time the processes? Will we swap roles?  How will we maximise production and profits?  What is the best way to make money? - Sponsorship? Selling the finished items?  How can we involve others and encourage others to think about the issues?  Other elements that create a sweatshop atmosphere – pretend supervisors