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ASDA installs webcams to disapprove theory of sweat-shops
05 Apr '10
2 min read
In order to divulge the working conditions in two Bangladeshi factories to show that they don't use 'sweatshop' labour, ASDA, a supermarket giant has installed web-cameras in the two factories.
This is one of the efforts taken by the company to increase transparency with its customers and enable them to get an idea about the source from where their products come.
Earlier, ASDA with other western clothing manufacturers was on target of campaigners for employing workers on low wages in poor conditions. A RMG industry group, criticized installation of web-cameras, for 'spying' on workers as it showed clothing testing lab and finishing section of a factory.
According to one of association's official, these steps were taken to improve the working conditions in their factories.
However, an expert cited this initiative as a publicity stunt and commented that it is not the sensible way to improve conditions for workers. He further added that buyers don't have any interest to know about the working condition in factories.
Around 4,500 garment factories in Bangladesh produce low-priced garment products for several big garment retailers in the world such as ASDA's American parent Wal-Mart, Swedish high-street chain H&M, French supermarket Carrefour and Levi Strauss.
Bangladesh is the country that produces inexpensive garment items as it offers low-wages to factory workers. Minimum wages of these factory workers are just 25 dollars a month.
This is one of the efforts taken by the company to increase transparency with its customers and enable them to get an idea about the source from where their products come.
Earlier, ASDA with other western clothing manufacturers was on target of campaigners for employing workers on low wages in poor conditions. A RMG industry group, criticized installation of web-cameras, for 'spying' on workers as it showed clothing testing lab and finishing section of a factory.
According to one of association's official, these steps were taken to improve the working conditions in their factories.
However, an expert cited this initiative as a publicity stunt and commented that it is not the sensible way to improve conditions for workers. He further added that buyers don't have any interest to know about the working condition in factories.
Around 4,500 garment factories in Bangladesh produce low-priced garment products for several big garment retailers in the world such as ASDA's American parent Wal-Mart, Swedish high-street chain H&M, French supermarket Carrefour and Levi Strauss.
Bangladesh is the country that produces inexpensive garment items as it offers low-wages to factory workers. Minimum wages of these factory workers are just 25 dollars a month.
Fibre2fashion News Desk - India
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