International Tuesday 10/18 Library Assignment

   The video we watched took place in Hong Kong, China. It showed toy factories and the poor working conditions of the factories. These companies relied on the cheap labor of young women who worked in dangerous, and very  poor conditions for low wages. There is much  more freedom in employment in the U.S. than in other countries such as China, and Taiwan.

   In the U.S. there are laws against child labor, and regulations for minimum wages, and maximum hours of work someone can do every week. Most jobs offer health care, and all meet health and safety standards. This is very different than the factories we saw in the video. There, young women were working all night in crowded factories with no consideration for workers safety. They often worked overtime just so they had enough money to get by. Workers lived in small dormitories near the factory with up to 20 people. Workers would be burned or hurt by the hot plastic, or machines they were operating. 

   What gives Americans freedom in employment are labor unions. Unions allow employees to protest, and provide fair wages and conditions. There are very few labor  unions in the countries shown in the video. The reason that the managers never worked to improve the conditions was because the retailers were not willing to higher the price on the products. This is what causes poverty and bad conditions. In order for factories to increase workers wages, the products will have to be sold at a higher cost, but many corporations are unable to agree on these decisions. 

   Many companies choose factories in China and other countries because they make the products very cheap because there are very few labor laws. Workers are paid very little so they must work overtime, which only increases production. It is difficult for productivity to be high, and prices to be cheap, with fair working conditions, and happy workers. 

   An example of a global company that is operates successfully and humanely is Rolls-Royce Motor Company. They make very high quality cars with skilled workers around the world. Their cars are assembled by hand by skilled workers in safe, clean factories. This company has achieved high productivity of excellent products with fair wages, and good working conditions. Along with socially and culturally ethical factories around the world, Rolls-Royce Motor Company offers community investments and education outreach programs and paid volunteer time off. 

https://www.monster.com/career-advice/article/9-companies-socially-conscious-culture

http://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/enthusiasts/factory-tour-inside-the-rolls-royce-motor-car-facility/ar-BB6eLbj