Globalisation Learning Quest: Define

You and your group are going to investigate the impact of globalisation on the textile, clothing and footwear industry from the point of view of one of the roles outlined below. Each person will work on locating, selecting and organising information about their particular role. You will then produce a code of conduct for written from your role's point of view. Background Look at the labels of the shirt/blouse, trousers/skirt, shoes/sandals that you are wearing. Where were they made? Chances are they were made in a developing country such as Fiji, China, Thailand or Sri Lanka. Globalisation, driven by improved technology and reduced trade barriers is rapidly increasing the connections between people around the world. There are new opportunities to address poverty but also increased awareness of human rights and environmental issues. Many developing countries are offering major manufacturers tax breaks, low cost land and labour to build factories in areas known as Export Processing Zones. This creates new employment opportunities and income for poor families and export income for the country but sometimes working conditions are exploitative. The Textile, Clothing and Footwear industry is labour intensive and factories in developing countries are often associated with the term 'sweatshop', meaning that the work conditions are very different to those in richer countries with labour, health and environment regulations - workers are treated poorly, with low wages, long hours and poor safety conditions. Fair trade campaigns have led to codes of conduct and certification of goods but also the closure of factories worsening the situation of poor people.

Form into five teams and take on one of the following roles: Clothing factory worker in a developing country Your farming family has suffered great hardship during several years of drought and so you are attracted to the possibilities of work in the new factories opening up in the capital city. It means you will be separated from your family but accommodation is provided and your regular wage will help you assist your family. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of a multinational clothing company Shareholders are pushing your company to improve profits and so manufacturing off shore with cheaper labour and attractive tax deals is an appealing option. Environmentalist The production and manufacture of textiles and clothing and footwear have high environmental demands - water and energy, waste disposal, pollution. The long term impact on the environment is not always costed effectively. The development and implementation of codes of practice for sustainable production and protection of the environment are an important aspect in the expansion of the textile, clothing and footwear industry. Worker in a Non-Government Organisation (NGO) As the textile, clothing and footwear manufacturers try to meet tight deadlines and costs, unskilled people can be at risk of exploitation. Local Non-Government Organisations work with vulnerable people in the community to provide education and empower them to protect their rights. They also work with governments, businesses and other NGOs to assist in creating better working conditions for factory workers in developing countries. Activist Many people feel concerned about the economic, environmental and social problems resulting from some practices in the textile, clothing and footwear manufacturing industry and want to do something about it.

A four month month training course in Lao PDR funded by Australia teaches young women sewing techniques which helps them to find jobs in the clothing industry. John Rodsted/AusAID