3 ms·

While I (think I) understand the heart of this sentiment, if you're going to be non-patriotic, you should still be pro-human rights to some degree. If a corpor

by gloob 17y ago

While I (think I) understand the heart of this sentiment, if you're going to be non-patriotic, you should still be pro-human rights to some degree. If a corporation exploits workers (either at home or abroad), you shouldn't be happy about giving them your money. I'm not certain I understand precisely your argument; I have the impression that you're referring to the sweatshops and similar? I wouldn't put "A minimum wage of $foo" under the header of "human rights", myself, which is why I think I'm missing your point a bit. On the assumption that I understand it, however, and the primary complaint against these companies is that they pay their workers very little, I would like to ask: what other options do the companies actually have? Paying the workers anything like a first-world wage would probably cause all sorts of fun with inflation. Paying them a third-world wage is evil. Is the solution to just not have employees in (e.g.) China at all? (Honest question.) But, again, I probably misunderstood your point.

callmeed 17y ago
Perhaps "human rights" is too broad an umbrella, but I still think it applies. My primary complaint is not about wage. It's about the treatment of workers in general. Unsafe conditions, unsustainable hours, exposure to chemicals, dangerous equipment, forced labor, physical abuse, etc. And, yes, people can be underpaid even relative to their cost of living. Combine those things with governments that afford little or no transparency and you have what amounts to a "human rights" problem (in my opinion). Seriously, it's not hard to find reports on working conditions in China ... yes, I know they aren't all bad ... but it aint Willy Wonka's chocolate factory over there. Nothing wrong with putting a little research and thought into your purchasing decisions–that was my point. Oh, and I don't think your last question was honest ... because it makes no sense. The solution obviously isn't to have no employees in China.
whatusername 17y ago
exploits != just low wages. If I kidnap your children and force you to work for me -- Even if I offer to pay $1000/hour I'm still exploiting. In general - "sweat-shops" with low wages are good for the people/country involved. But any contract should be a two-way street. If I can't leave (see the international sex trade, immigrant workers in Dubai, etc) Or am being compelled to doing something I otherwise wouldn't - then that is an infringement of human rights.

by gloob 17y ago

callmeed 17y ago

Perhaps "human rights" is too broad an umbrella, but I still think it applies. My primary complaint is not about wage. It's about the treatment of workers in general. Unsafe conditions, unsustainable hours, exposure to chemicals, dangerous equipment, forced labor, physical abuse, etc. And, yes, people can be underpaid even relative to their cost of living. Combine those things with governments that afford little or no transparency and you have what amounts to a "human rights" problem (in my opinion). Seriously, it's not hard to find reports on working conditions in China ... yes, I know they aren't all bad ... but it aint Willy Wonka's chocolate factory over there. Nothing wrong with putting a little research and thought into your purchasing decisions–that was my point. Oh, and I don't think your last question was honest ... because it makes no sense. The solution obviously isn't to have no employees in China.

whatusername 17y ago

exploits != just low wages. If I kidnap your children and force you to work for me -- Even if I offer to pay $1000/hour I'm still exploiting. In general - "sweat-shops" with low wages are good for the people/country involved. But any contract should be a two-way street. If I can't leave (see the international sex trade, immigrant workers in Dubai, etc) Or am being compelled to doing something I otherwise wouldn't - then that is an infringement of human rights.