“It’s easier
to follow customs than to question them”
– Keeping
Corner by Kashmira Sheth
It is easier
to follow customs weather it
maybe religion or society's than to step out and be looked
at differently. We as human beings have problems with stepping out of “the
box” to ask for self-respect and equality. The topic I have been
focusing on is Workers Rights and noticed workers are not treated like humans
but slaves or animals. Issues I will be trying to focus on are Fair
Trade, Trade Unions, and Child Labor under the umbrella of
Workers Rights. A workers right does not just mean the people who work in
sweatshops but who are involved locally. What the government
says about workers’ rights is “Employment
standards are the minimum standards established by law that define and
guarantee rights in the workplace. Each province and territory has its own
legislation.” (Service Canada) but yet people are treated unfairly
because of their race, sex, realign, beliefs and/or income. If we have
developed over the years then why is it that we have not moved far from
treating people like slaves. Then comes the questions what is the root cause,
who does it involve and what are some solutions along with how can I make a
difference.
So what is Fair Trade?
Fair
trade is about making principles of fairness and decency; it’s also about
changing terms for products we buy to ensure that farmers and artisans (A
worker in a skilled trade) behind products get a better deal to produce
more. Most often it is considered better prices for producers, but it often
means longer-term and respectful trading relationships as well. “Fair Trade is
a way for all of us to identify products that meet our values so we can make
choices that have a positive impact on the world.”-the web
Well what is a
Union then?
Unions
represent the mutual interests of workers at their jobs. This is why
workers first came together and began bargaining for their rights. From wages
and benefits to health and safety to pensions to job security and more, workers
can look to their unions and be ensured that they will be treated fairly and
with respect by their employers.
I didn't know how unions had been formed so it's interesting that you included that in this post. I'm curious as to what is included for people who don't work in a union?
ReplyDeleteHi Shariya,
ReplyDeleteWhile you have identified many causes of the violation of workers' rights, such as religion, gender, beliefs or income, I believe that another cause is simply the selfishness and ignorance of superiors. It's known that producing a product and paying employees is costly, while assuring that workers are in a safe environment and the product is of a high standard. To combat this, could companies be "cutting corners" and only ensuring one of these: their product? Also, if protecting workers' rights is as simple as forming a trade union? Why are there not more? And why are there still major disputes between employers and employees?
Hi Michelle,
DeleteI'm glad you brought this up, I had forgotten about causes like selfishness and ignorance. And yes it is known that companies producing a product and paying employees is costly, while trying to assure workers are in a safe environment and the product is of a high standard. So you are right about companies cutting corners to keep up with growing demands of their products by little things like cutting back hours and break times,cutting safety drills and first aid attended in the work place, price fixing, cutting back medical and dental benefits for employees, regular maintenance of machinery, and not having proper equipment for employees and machines.