In America- a sweatshop victory

http://www.nytimes.com/1995/12/22/opinion/in-america-a-sweatshop-victory.html

Since coming under negative criticism about the use of underage workers and abuse in factories, The Gap has agreed to allow independent observers such as human rights officials to monitor working conditions in Central America. A majority of those who work in these factories are women who work 80 hour work weeks in harsh and inhumane conditions. Many of these workers work marathon shifts such as a 20 hour work shift and forced overtime. Before allowing independent observers, attempts to organize and form unions were harshly suppressed and shot down. Since then unions have been formed allowing employees to have a say, those who object the organization of unions will be fired. Many retailers will do good just to get out of the negative spot light just to gain good public relations points with consumers and human rights groups. However, Gap has moved beyond public relations and is actually trying to make a difference on how factories are operated. Gap has recently signed an agreement stating that "....it will be helpful to use the Human Rights Ombudsman's offices in El Salvador and other Central American countries to monitor factory compliance with the Gap's 'Sourcing Principles and Guidelines". Even though this may not be enough to stop child labor through out Central America, they are trying to make the situation better which to me is good and worth support. This company is not acting selfish in anyway, instead of doing good for their own public image they want to end such conditions and abuse within the factories. The Gap has become a role model to many larger retailers, they are setting an example and now many are asking larger retail chains to do the same and fight against child labor. In the end Charles Kernaghan, the executive director of the labor committee makes a good point to which many consumers would agree and states the main reason why it is important for companies to fight against child labor. This however, is summed up by one simple quotation"People are not interested in wearing clothes made by exploited workers and children".