I own two domestic outerwear companies. My customers are shocked to learn that they can see their garments being produced right here in Minnesota. For the most part, they accept our higher prices, knowing that they're supporting fair pricing and real-world wages. We commend the media for their attention to the ethical failings of the garment industry.

Sent by Kevin Kinney | 2:14 PM ET | 12-18-2007

In terms of sweatshop labor, probably the most important organization to highlight is the National Labor Committee. Operating around the world for years, they are often at the forefront of exposing poor working conditions. It was the NLC that brought to light the Kathy Gifford and the Nike problems mentioned during this show.

Sent by John Straw | 2:19 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Your female guest, Dana, seems to imply that we should never buy anything manufactured outside the USA to avoid buying something made in a sweatshop. Won't that also hurt more responsible factories that actually provide valuable jobs to developing countries?

Sent by Sandy | 2:22 PM ET | 12-18-2007

My wife picked up a small book at our local bookstore. The book is Called"The Better World Shoppping Guide". Rates a myriad of products and services as to the criteria you are discussing. published by New Society Publishers,Author Ellis Jones. Was his doctoral dissertation .We Give this little book as gifts. People are astonished

Sent by Larry Tallmadge | 2:24 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Many people in developing countries are happy to be able to do normal wage labor rather than turn to the drug trade or prostitution, or have no income at all.

Another point: My fear is that the US will use morality as an excuse to undermine free trade and lead us into trade wars, and possibly real wars.

Sent by William | 2:25 PM ET | 12-18-2007

There is a great little book by Ellis Jones called "the better world shopping guide". He has ranked different manufacturers and gives a report card by type of product. As an example, the grade of A is given to the following companies: Patagonia, American Apparel, Maggies Organics, Ecolution and Deva Lifewear. An F is received by Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and Dillards. As Gap is the current subject... it receives a C+.

Sent by Kacy Beamish | 2:25 PM ET | 12-18-2007

You guest is completely right, until Americans wise up and stop shopping at places like Wal-Mart we will continue to get sub-standard products,
This proves that capitalism and the free market system is fundamentally flawed, and needs to be rethought by keeping jobs in America to stop helping the one percent to gain more wealth. because that is the only thing outsourcing to foreign nations actually accomplishes.


Sincerely,

Gary Lyn Dansereau II

Sent by Gary Lyn Dansereau II | 2:27 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Did ending child labor in our country prove to be a long-term benefit, or did it just make Americans lazy and give us the sense of entitlement that we have today? I guess we should be glad that during our own booming Industrial Revolution days we didn't have an "enlightened" foreign country imposing their (higher?) moral standards on us.

Sent by David | 2:28 PM ET | 12-18-2007

NPR's commentators are ignorant of conditionsin US and evenother apprel shopp-s. By DoL surveys 60% of US shops fail to pay minium wage or overtime -- are sweatshops. In adiditon, sdespite the Brands' desire to avoid humiliation, as your commentator says about Madagascar,
China and Bangladesh won greater market share in '05-06 as quotas came off -- and they haver maong the worst condtions in the world. You hav eone commentator who does not know aobut the Us industry and another who is involved in a failed tecvhnique of remediation --0 codes of conduct.
Robert Ross, author of Slaves to Fashion, poverty and abuse inthe new sweatshops.

Sent by Robert JS Ross | 2:29 PM ET | 12-18-2007

After the Child Labor Deterrence Act was introduced in the US, an estimated 50,000 children were dismissed from their garment industry jobs in Bangladesh, leaving many to resort to jobs such as "stone-crushing, street hustling, and prostitution." UNICEF's 1997 State of the World's Children study found these alternative jobs "more hazardous and exploitative than garment production." How do you respond to this?

Sent by Jason | 2:32 PM ET | 12-18-2007

For a variety of reasons, I sew my own clothes and, this year, I am also sewing all the gifts I am giving my loved ones. This begs the question, under what conditions is fabric manufactured? And, when I go to my local fabric retail shop, how do I know which bolts of fabric were made in sweatshops and which were not?

Sent by MJC | 2:33 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I would just like to emphasize a point I made earlier. What your guests are saying can easily be used to justify protectionism, and protectionism could lead us into trade wars, which in turn could become real wars.

Sent by William | 2:39 PM ET | 12-18-2007

If you bought it at a huge volume, low cost, mega-store, it's from (or soon to be from) a sweatshop.

Most corporations are after profits (more profits next year, and MORE the next year).
So they have to cut costs. They pressure their suppliers to meet or beat the target price (which lowers every year). So, your toy is soon made in a foreign country, by someone making 25cents a week, painted with Who knows what! To keep the investors happy about 25% profit growth (for the third year), and your happy that it still costs less than it did last year.

Make your own gifts! It means more to them anyway! (doesn't it?)
It is "Who gave me this" more important than "What I got"? Right? ?

Sent by Harold | 2:40 PM ET | 12-18-2007

PLEASE TAKE NOTICE THAT IT IS NOT THE RETAILERS THAT ARE SEEKING OUT THE SWEAT SHOPS, THEY ARE SEEKING THE CHEAPEST MANUFACTIORING. THE FACTORY OWNERS THEMSELVES ARE ENSLAVING THEIR FELLOW COUNTRY MEN AND WOMEN SO THAT THEY CAN MAKE THE MOST MONEY PER GARMENT TOO. IT IS THE SAME AS OUR INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION WHEN WE MADE CHILDREN WORK IN OUR BIG CITY FACTORIES. WHY DON'T OUR DIEING UNIONS GO TO CHINA TO HELP THE WORKERS UNIONIZE LIKE OUR WORKERS DID 100 YEARS AGO.

Sent by JASON OTT | 2:40 PM ET | 12-18-2007

There are definitely ways to buy sweat-free outside of the US: there are many companies which practice fair trade, a standard that includes fair labor conditions.

There are also many organizations working for labor rights. My school, Aquinas College, is one of the many colleges and universities paired with the Workers Rights Consortium, which helps schools guarantee that their apparel is made sweat-free. Their website is www.workersrights.org.

Sent by Kyla Sisson | 2:42 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Two questions

Does NPR investigate the working conditions of employees in companies like REI who advertise on NPR?

In any society, those who live above the middle income are always in some way taking advantage of those that live on a lesser incomes. How can anyone claim that they don't know they are taking advantage of other people when they're living much better than those other people?

Sent by Lisa Twitchell | 2:43 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Gary,
Capitalism (and the free market system) is not fundamentally flawed! We just Over-optimised it! Buy Local!

Sent by Harold | 2:43 PM ET | 12-18-2007

This is maddening to listen to.

We all know what sweat shops are.

What we DON'T know is a DEFINITIVE source that lists approved products made in descent work conditions by a noble monitoring body.

All I care about is WHERE TO FIND OUT.

Thanks,
km

Sent by Kevin | 2:44 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I believe that the US needs to use its markets as a cudgel to force fair labor practices abroad. I believe in free markets, but the footing should be equal and not a mechanism for US companies to exploit foreign workers. Trade agreements such as NAFTA should be conditional on passing and enforcing labor laws. I am pessimistic that US consumers will force this change willfully - we are far too myopic and selfish - unfortunately.

Sent by Brian | 2:47 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I suspect teenagers and young adults are more aware than their parents. Our son is active with the Worker Rights Consortium (WRC) which is an independent labor rights monitoring organization, conducting investigations of working conditions in factories around the globe. Their purpose is to combat sweatshops and protect the rights of workers who sew apparel and make other products sold in the United States. The WRC conducts independent, in-depth investigations; issues public reports on factories producing for major U.S. brands; and aids workers at these factories in their efforts to end labor abuses and defend their workplace rights. The WRC is proud to have the support of over 175 college and university affiliates and their primary focus is the labor practices of factories that make apparel and other goods bearing university logos.

Sent by Catherine | 2:47 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I'm a 20+ yr federal govt employee who has spent time in these factories overseas for "business reasons" and who also loves shopping!
I just wanted to say how much I loved
Dana Thomas' book. Incredibly well researched, and great detail on the realities of global manufacturing without inflammatory statements that often polarize the discussion.
I'm still working for this agency, so can't be more specific about my experiences, but I applaud this discussion.

Sent by Abby | 2:50 PM ET | 12-18-2007

If your guests think that they can hire, for example, a Chinese investigator to investigate a Chinese company and get an accurate assessment of what is really happening at that company, they need to wise up.

We own a RC plane company. We have contracted several manufacturing companies to manufacture our planes. We suspected one of them is exporting our patented products without our knowledge, keeping all of the revenue. After searching for an investigator, hiring them, and getting a report, we've learned that everyone we are working with over there is in cahoots to illegally profit at our expense. And it starts with their government.

It's in the investigator's best interest to lie to the foreign customer. Unless there is an independent body that can go in and find out the truth and be open about their findings, I can't trust any report about what is actually happening at these factories. I believe that we are in an undeclared economic war with countries like China. And to tell you the truth, I think they believe we started it.

Sent by David | 2:58 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Patagonia, the outdoors/lifestyle gear and clothing company, has strict environmental and social views on how they source their labor and materials. With that in mind they have started a new portion of their website called "The Footprint Chronicles" which opens up a whole new level of transparency. They have images and videos showing the whole cycle of development of a product. From where the garment is designed, to where the materials are sourced and they even show the workers making the products. Thought I would share what an awesome job they are doing.

Sent by Jeff Halsey | 3:05 PM ET | 12-18-2007

In addition to boycotting companies, the divestment-engagement approach has also proven effective in encouraging companies to abolish poor practices. I am part of a financial advising company that works to identify labor and human rights practices of global companies to ensure they have adopted and are enforcing the laws set forth in the International Labor Organization (ILO) Principles of Labor and Human Rights. As a result, we have developed a divestment-engagement approach that leverages investments in companies to engage corporate boards and management teams, using shareholder activism to change business behavior.

Sent by Sabina Mackay | 3:12 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I completely agree with some of the comments. I believe to be completely sure of what you are buying, you have to either do a ton of leg work or buy locally-made products that you know for a fact were not made in sweatshops.

Another issue that we needs to be concerned with is when goods are bought from companies that manufacture in China, not only is our money supporting sweatshops (no doubt), but it is also going to the Chinese government, whom has been killing the people of Tibet and attempting to completely irradicate their culture.

A genocide is going on as we speak and we as American consumers must be more informed when making purchases and we need to be less lazy and cheap!

Sent by Erin Walker | 3:23 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I agree with EVERYTHING your guests said and I also support efforts, any efforts, to make working conditions humane.

That said, more humane working conditions will lead to higher costs for American consumers. The wealthy won't notice and the middle classes will only feel a squeeze. Those who will really feel it will be the American poor and working class. Not only will many consumer goods, such as a new pair of sneakers or a new pair of pants once in a while become out of reach, the working poor will lose health insurance (the few who are lucky enough to have it) or even their jobs as employers try to lower costs to stay globally competitive. Seeing the growing dissatisfaction and the potential for unrest, American politicians (including the President, Democrat or Republican) will seek solutions, some of which may result in worse conditions for everyone in the world than there are today.

There will be no real solution until business, all business in all parts of the world (EU, Japan, Korea, China, Phillipines, Russia, Vietnam, India, Brazil, Jordan, Peru -- everyone!) becomes as much about doing good as it is now about making a profit and satisfying shareholders. Is this really going to happen?

Sent by Byrne Brewerton | 3:27 PM ET | 12-18-2007

Thank you for the informative program. I believe that many people in this country... feel like I do. I have to spend my money carefully (and therefore am thrilled when I find a bargain) BUT... I don't want to support sweatshops in this country... in China... in Vietnam... anywhere. I would prefer to buy less and/or go without... I would like more information about how I can find out more and learn how I can research the companies and business I purchase things from. It is everyone's responsibility to KNOW the manufacturing and working environments our clothes and articles come from. PROFIT is NOT a justification for Slavery or Sweatshops.

Sent by Leslie | 3:30 PM ET | 12-18-2007

When China ex-president said "China would bury the United States" we thought he was speaking about a military operation. What we did not and still don't seem to understand is that he was speaking about a financial operation and it is well on it's way.

Sent by CGO | 4:46 PM ET | 12-18-2007

There are two things the US government could do NOW to reduce the foreign sweat-shop population and benefit the American people at the same time:

1> Pass and implement the Fair Tax Bill (HR 25, S 1025), after it has languished in the House Ways and Means Committee at least since 1996. Since businesses must pass the income tax they pay, and their costs of dealing with the income tax system, on to those who buy their products and services, the income tax adds an average of 22% to the end price of everything made in America.
The Fair Tax would make America a competitive place to manufacture again.
Less sweat shops in developing countries, more jobs in the US.
For much more info see www.fairtax.org.

2> Pass public-only funding of all federal election campaigns, which would cost only $6.00 per American per year.
Reclaiming our government from the corporations and wealthy campaign contributors would give the US government a conscience like the American people instead of the current amoral greed of the "military-industrial complex", which currently provides the bulk of the campaign funds our Congressmen, Senators and Presidents use to procure their employment.
A US government with a conscience would encourage other countries to respect the human rights of their citizens, and reward them for doing so, instead of going to war to try to force them to do so, "coincidentally" increasing the profits of the "military-industrial complex".
For more info on public funding of election campaigns see: www.just6dollars.org.

Sent by Bil M | 9:14 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I buy the vast majority of my clothes from thrift stores. Even though the clothes might have been made in sweatshops, I am not the original buyer...

Sent by Trish | 9:22 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I search hard for Safe USA Made products that not only are Made in USA but use American grown cotton etc. Texas Jeans is such a company, there are many more but you have to search online. You will never find them by going to the store first.

Sent by Joe | 11:54 PM ET | 12-18-2007

I just have a question about garments made in the US. I live in LA and pass by Chinatown everyday. There are sweatshops there, and all over the country with people trying to make a living by sewing. Can we trust the "Made in the USA" label?

How do we, as consumers, stop the mistreatment of these hard workers who are exploited? Do we petition? Publish? What are some solutions?

Sent by Kaitlin | 12:32 AM ET | 12-19-2007

CGO;
You mean like the way Japan has bloggeoned us in the auto industry? We are willing accomplises in our failure to stop foreign industry from pummelling the U.S. We want "lowest price, everyday", cheaper than last year!
We, the American consumers, should carry 100% of the guilt AND shame for the lost jobs of our neighbors. While we were trying to "keep up with the Mr. & Mrs. Jones", we bought less expensive foreign goods (to save money). We gladly purchased those 2 new flat screens (his and hers) ,from LG and Sony. Then watched (with pity or pride?) when Mrs. Jones got laid-off and Mr. Jones had to take a relocation deal (or lose his job).

Sent by Harold | 12:53 PM ET | 12-19-2007

The Progressive Jewish Alliance has been working on this issue since our founding. We (I am an employee there) have a recommended buying guide for sweatshop free purchases.

See: http://pjalliance.org/article.aspx?ID=282&CID=1

Sent by Zach | 1:47 PM ET | 12-19-2007

In LA and other parts of the country there are a few sewing shops left. You better be happy that they still remain. If the workers get $7 an hour and work extra that beats China 50 cents or Mexico Buck an hour. Factories like those shown on MadeInUSAJeans or BrandsUSA org web show the workers and the factories. If we loose the few factories here what happens if we do have a problem at the ports. We have NOTHING!

Sent by Bobb Cobb | 1:56 PM ET | 12-19-2007

Seldom have I heard such a biased and uninformed episode as this. Are you not aware of the extensive Academic research on this topic. Much of which points out that the families that have children working are starving if the children don't work, Or if you no-longer do business in that country then they are really bad off. To suggest that companies should not strive to make profits (remember they are owned by individuals with 401k planes and other retirement investments) and to suggest that the working is working against there will and to say it would be better for the company to go elsewhere thereby taking away the opportunity for the worker to be (FORCED TO WORK?) In addition to think that you can compare wages across countries they way your guest did shows a complete lack of understanding of international trade. Maybe you should have a show discussing Milton Friedman's Free to Choose (Nobel prize Economist) By the way I am verymuch n favor of helping workers around the world improve there prosperity and freedom but the solutions your guest suggest are sound good but are not back by evidence that they make ANYONE better of (the workers, us, China, companies...) It's like taking Tylenol for a broken leg, it hides the pain but cures nothing.

Sent by Vincent Davis | 5:37 PM ET | 12-19-2007

You mention made in USA Clothes, they are still around.

http://MadeInUSAJeans.com is one of a few

Sent by Martha Worthington | 12:12 AM ET | 12-25-2007

I have to do a life history report for my globalization class on my ETE eyeglasses. I have to prove or disprove that workers were being exploited during the making of my ETE eyeglasses. I know that two of ETE's distributors are Optylux and Orange Eyewear. I would really appreciate as much information that you could give me.

Sent by Angel Goodwin | 8:08 PM ET | 03-11-2008