Global Industries Resolution to Combat Child Labor

Scenario:  You are a member of the Board of Directors of Global Industries, a multinational distributor for Allsport, makers of the best-selling line of sportswear in the world.  The Chair of the Board has proposed the following resolution.

Summary and Resolution: 

Recent information has been reported concerning numerous instances of questionable child labor practices at Allsport's manufacturing plant in Asiana, a developing country in central Asia.  Reports document the persistence of harmful and exploitative child labor practices at the plant and prevalent throughout the country.  Nearly 70% of children under age 13 in Asiana do not attend school and work as much as 10 hours a day.  Estimates reveal that children earn between one fifth and one tenth of what adult labor gets per statutory minimum wages.   Many children work without monetary compensation under conditions of servitude.  With regard to health it has been noted that among all patients in public hospitals, about 70% were at one time or another child laborers; among the tuberculosis patients about 80% were or had been child laborers.  Constant exposure to smoke, dust, noxious gases, chemicals, and high temperatures affect the lungs, eyes, kidneys, liver, and other vital organs of children.  Continuous sitting in the same position for long hours in tasks such as sewing and weaving affect the spinal column.  Working in dim lights and poorly ventilated and unhygienic conditions adversely affects growth, vision, and general psychological and physical development.

Given the conditions revealed by these reports, Global Industries hereby proposes to discontinue distribution of all products manufactured by Allsport.

Statement supporting the proposed Resolution: Chair of the Board

"As one of the directors of the future of Global Industries and as a member of the international community, I urge your support of this resolution. Although Allsport is one of our major accounts, Global Industries is in a position to play a major role in decreasing the 250 million children between the ages of five and fourteen that are estimated to work under harmful conditions worldwide.  First, given the large network of retailers we work with, our actions can reduce the sales of Allsport sportswear worldwide.  Second, our actions here will raise awareness with regard to the inhumanity of child labor practices and help to lead the international community to address abusive child labor everywhere in the world.  Finally, it is simply the right thing to do -- we cannot support a company or product that profits from inhumane and exploitative labor practices."

Prompt for individual writing:

On the pages provided, please answer the question below.  You will have 15 minutes to complete this segment of the exercise.

Do you agree or disagree with the proposed resolution for Global Industries to discontinue distribution of Allsport sportswear?  How would you vote on the resolution and why?

Child Labor in the United States

1. Should there be stiffer legislation regarding child labor?

2. Should there be more careful monitoring of children's work by parents and teachers?

3. What should the rules be regarding the hours and responsibilities of young workers?

4. Should there be rules be regarding interference with school work?