To answer the second question in the survey, according to the International Labor Rights Forum 2010 the top ten companies known for sweatshops are as followed; Abercrombie and Fitch, Gymboree, Hanes, Ikea, Kohl's , L.L.Bean, Pier 1 Imports, Propper International, and Walmart. The list does not include Nike because it did not include foot wear in the study. Another blogger lists the 10 sweatshops companies to include; Primark, Topshop, Asda/WalMart, Tesco, Nike, Adidias, Disney, Burberry, Starbucks, and Planet Earth Inc. It is very difficult to accurately list companies known for sweatshops because unfortunately unless a fire breaks out or a group of employees protest their treatment companies are not on the sweatshop radar.

November 25, 2012 a fire broke out in a sweatshop factory in Bangladesh that manufactures clothing for companies including Tommy Hilfiger, Gap, and Wal-Mart. The factory did not have enough exits and was located in a cramped neighborhood. The result of the fire was 111 deaths (New York Times).

I am really trying to sort out my feelings about sweatshops. I know sweatshop workers work for less than minimum wage, harsh working conditions and work long hours on the same task. However, there is no escaping the Nike logo. Monmouth University sports team’s uniforms include the Nike Logo and the schools book stores apparel includes the famous swish. I was at the University gym earlier this week and almost everyone working out had on Nike sneakers. Forever 21 use to be on the list in 2001. It has since been removed because they have agreed to improving workers/ work conditions.

I encourage everyone to go onto: http://slaveryfootprint.org/?gclid=CMvM6O3Fm7UCFURnOgodLjYAuw and see what their slave footprint is. It is very surprising to find out how many “slaves” a person has based on the items one possesses. I took the test and currently have 49. To be honest, I believe it is a bit low. Take the test and then post your results here! It will be interesting to see the various numbers.

Interesting links:

http://slaveryfootprint.org/?gclid=CMvM6O3Fm7UCFURnOgodLjYAuw

http://www.sweatfree.org/shoppingguide

http://www.laborrights.org/sites/default/files/publications-and-resources/sweatshop_hall_shame_2010.pdf

Let me know your results and your views on the companies known for sweatshops.