Almost a week after the collapse of a clothing factory in Bangladesh, the search for bodies goes on. Almost 400 are known to have been killed, and hundreds suffered crushed rib cages and amputations. A recent fire killed 112 factory workers. But Bangladesh won't enforce its own laws on working conditions in 5000 factories so it can be the cheapest clothing maker in Asia. Walmart, H&M, JC Penny and other western companies have refused to fund an independent inspection program. Would it make a difference? Should the US and other western governments apply pressure under international trading agreements? In the meantime, what's a consumer to do?
The High Price of Cheap Clothing
Credits
Guests:
- Tim Ryan - Solidarity Center
- Avedis Seferian - Worldwide Responsible Accredited Production
- Richard Locke - MIT Sloan School of Management
- Chris Morran - Consumerist.com - @consumerist