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- extreme exploitation, including the absence of a living wage or long hours;
- poor working conditions, such as health and safety hazards;
- arbitrary discipline, such as verbal or physical abuse, or
- fear and intimidation when they speak out, organize, or attempt to form a union."
Women are exploited. Around 90% of the workforce is female. Most are aged 15 - 25. Globalization also takes a heavy environmental toll.
It includes air pollution, ozone layer depletion, acid rain, ocean and fresh water contamination, and an overtaxed ecosystem. Unsafe living conditions exist worldwide.
Charles Kernaghan is a longtime worker rights advocate. He's executive director for the Institute for Global Labour and Human Rights ( IGLHR ).
It "investigates and exposes human and labor rights abuses committed by (transnational) corporations producing goods in the developing world."
IGLHR described horrific conditions at Bangladesh's Ashulia district Tazreen Fashion Factory. Wages are some of the world's lowest.
Helpers earn 18 cents an hour ($8.44 a week for 48 hours).
Junior sewing operators earn 21 - 22 cents an hour ($9.85 - $10.69 a week).
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