Sociology 3945: Worksheet--"Made in Thailand" VC 4419

.

1. What kinds of products are being manufactured for export in Thailand?

2. Who makes up the labor force for such manufacturing?

3. What are the work conditions like?

4. What was the event that precipitated the union organizing campaign portrayed in the video?

5. How are the women who are trying to organize a union trying to reach their fellow workers and build solidarity and strength for their organizing campaign?

Groups:

1. How would you assess the argument that in such countries, although pay is low by American standards, people are paid sufficiently in relation to what things cost in their own country? What determines pay levels and benefits for such jobs? Why does a particular manufacturing process get labeled as a sweatshop?

2. Why was the company allowed to rebuild without addressing the safety issues that had produced the fire?

3. What are the barriers to organizing a union in a country like Thailand? What is the likelihood of success for the organizing efforts portrayed here?

4. What could Americans do to promote the rights of workers like these?