Last week the name Foxconn and Apple were in all the headlines. It was not about great profits, or some new electronic gadget. It was about the inhumane treatment of the workers in China. What is interesting to note is that Foxconn does not just manufacture electronics for Apple. Foxconn manufacture over 50% of the electronics sold in the United States.
Mistreatment of works or labors misbehavior is nothing new. We have heard of US companies out sourcing to companies that have shameful labor practices. If we look back in history the use of cheep child labor dates back to before the 1800′s.
We here in the United States has one of the highest standards for the way we treat our work force. With the advent of unions the treatment of workers as well as their wages have improved. This made it harder to keep the cost of goods down.
Large manufacturer’s started to out source much of their work to other countries where goods could be made at a lower price. What made these overseas companies product the same item at the same quality for a less price was by paying their workers less money.
It is not just Apple, and the electronics industry to is doing this. It has long been know the clothing industry was the leader in poor working conditions in their plants. Victoria Secrets was name back in 2007 as a big offender.
Labor activitists have long been calling for ethnical shopping. This way manufactures would be forced to take into consideration who and how their products are made.
What makes it difficult for folks like you and me is the quality we want vs the price we want to pay. Yes prices do go up. When we as shoppers want lower prices, we are putting pressure on the products to cut corners to make it cheaper. The result of the retail price staying the same or being rolled back is in reduced quality and mistreatment of those who make the product.
We have seen recalls from meats, cheese, to cribs where our babies sheep. Did you ever stop to think these recalls were a result of pressure from the consumers to get a lower cost product?
It is nice to have the iPhone price stay the same every years. Did you ever stop and think the cost of gold, gas, and other essential materials have gone up in the has few years. How can Apple still make a profit?
Bottom-line: As a consumer and avid shopper, I want the best possible quality at the best possible price. When I do research for a major purchase, do I take into consideration the manufactures track record for labor violations?
I am ashamed to say, that is low on my list. Websites like EthicalShopping.com is now in my bookmarks. This way I can keep track as to how people are treated who make the product I purchase.
If I am to be more ethical or social responsible in my shopping, I will be spending more money. In the way I spend my money does tell manufactures, I am watching their manufacturing and labor practices.
