Our group was tasked to report on Gap Labor Problems. This case is focused on the abuse and violation of human rights, especially those working in sweatshops in the Central America region. The workers formed a union that later on resulted to trouble and mishaps. They were treated inhumanely then fired from their work. Gap investigated on the allegations and complaints from the workers but based on their report, they were not able to clearly hear and see any abuse on their end. The investigation and issue were repeated several times to the point that the National Labor Relations Committee (NLRC) needed to interfere, and based on NLRC's report the workers were not able to speak-up because of fear. Moreover, a reporter from The New York Times went to the Mandarin company himself to personally see what was happening. He was able to prove that workers were treated badly and that they were fired from their work. As our group were researching in the give case, dated 1995, it is very surprising that up until now, 2015 there are still child labor and illegal sweatshop operations linked to Gap. Although with a different supplier and in a different country, all points to violation of human rights and labor code. It is both alarming and heartbreaking that Gap denies these allegations, handle issues as they come but never really get to the root cause and resolve the issue. Given this case, the group considered several stakeholders that will be affected by the actions and decisions of the Gap:
The group presented several Alternative Courses of Action, which Gap may perform in order to be more ethical and legal in their outsourcing operations for their apparel:
With the listed ACA above, we opted for ACA 3. This has the highest rating amongst the 3 actions and this follows a more ethical practice. This too has a positive and beneficial effect to all stakeholders concern. Gap is the one who has the power and resources in this case. They have all the right to dictate and strictly require their suppliers to oblige by the law and the policies. If only they will be more strict in choosing their suppliers and mandating what should be followed, illegal sweatshop practices and inhumane treatment with the union and female workers will be avoided. The policy provided in the case was lenient enough to allow the minor to work as they are classified as "legal" between 14 and 18 years of age with 6 hours maximum of work. (I do not blame them if this was allowed, these developing countries need a source of decent livelihood for their people.) Given this, it was still too hard for them to comply and they still abuse the rights of the workers; simply because they save a lot from production costs, giving them more margins for profit. This is a sad reality that is happening not just with Gap but with other international companies like Nike, and Apple. Developing countries are targeted for lower production cost, and of course the individuals in these developing countries will grab the opportunity to earn for a living. Questions now will follow, "Does the livelihood provide them a decent living? Will it harm their morale and dignity as a person?" As an educated person and in the position to decide and help others. Let us be more legal, ethical, mature and sensitive in making our actions and decisions. Whatever we decide on not only affect ourselves but others. And if ever we intend to establish our own company/business let us keep in mind the human rights and labor code that we should follow. These policies are made for the protection of both employee and employer, to give a decent living to all. We are all human, we may not be given the same opportunities in life but we should remember that we given those opportunities for a reason and one of them is to help others. Above is a very appropriate quotation I found online. When we think of human rights, let us think of the right we want to have for ourselves. As the Golden Rule given by Jesus in Matthew 7:12 "In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you, for this is the Law and the Prophets."
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AuthorRLM, daughter, wife, mother, employee and student will blog about her reflections on her BUS560M Class. She hopes to continue this blog after taking-up the course. Enjoy reading! =) Archives
January 2016
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