From The Daily Mail (UK):
The image Microsoft doesn't want you to see: Too tired to stay awake, the Chinese workers earning just 34p an hour
By LIZ HULL and LEE SORRELL
Showing Chinese sweatshop workers slumped over their desks with exhaustion, it is an image that Microsoft won't want the world to see.
Employed for gruelling 15-hour shifts, in appalling conditions and 86f heat, many fall asleep on their stations during their meagre ten-minute breaks.
For as little as 34p an hour, the men and women work six or seven days a week, making computer mice and web cams for the American multinational computer company.
Sometimes I wonder at what level are we consumers contributing to this, for buying cheaper rather than "morally made" products. In the end seems immoral to me considering act utilitarianism, but I also wonder if these people would have any other source of income if Microsoft wasn't hiring them.
ReplyDeleteI found it interesting that a US citizen who has been working in China criticized this article, claiming that sleeping during breaks is the Chinese norm. As far as I'm concerned, sleeping at work is only possible in public sectors. Also he did not justify the ridiculously low base wage, the long hours, and sub-standard work environment.
ReplyDeleteI think that as consumers its important that we become aware of the realities of our consumption based culture. However, you also have to consider that we live in a privileged country with very high labour standards. Yes, it is hard to dismiss the fact that these workers are being treated unjustly (based on 1st world standards), but the companies are in accordance with the Chinese labour law. If there is any finger pointing to be done, it should be at the government which is the regulating body. On the brighter side, the monthly salary of 770 yuan has since been raised to 920 yuan in accordance to the minimum wage laws.
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