Confessions of a Sweatshop Inspector

Presidential candidates are calling for tougher labor standards in trade agreements. But can such standards be enforced? Here's what I learned from my old job.

Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton have criticized trade deals such as NAFTA as unfair to American workers, and the new thinking is that trade agreements should include strict labor standards. Obama has cited a recent free trade agreement with Peru as an example of how to go forward. I hope he's right, but let's remember that NAFTA was also hailed, in its day, for including labor protections. Our solutions on paper have proved hard to enforce. Peru attempts ... Full Story »

Posted by Kaizar Campwala

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Review

Roland F. Hirsch
3.7
by Roland F. Hirsch - Oct. 1, 2008

This article has considerable journalistic merit. It describes the author's personal experiences as well as some of the general information about factory standards as applied by large companies. A disadvantage is that it focuses almost entirely on China. However good context is provided for understanding the situation beyond that country.

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Roland's Rating

Overall
3.7

Good
from 12 answers
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3.8
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4.0
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4.0
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4.0
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3.0
Style
4.0
Accuracy
4.0
Balance
3.0
Context
4.0
Popularity
3.0
Recommendation
4.0
Credibility
2.0
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