Cheap labor.

• Position: GRAPH: INTERNATIONAL

A tragic factory collapse in Bangladesh last April has raised awareness of the grim working conditions faced by garment workers who produce much of the clothing worn in the U.S. and other developed nations (see article, p. 12). Laboring in hot, cramped, and sometimes unsafe factories, these workers often toil for little pay. Although factory jobs have helped millions put food on the table in places like Bangladesh and India, some companies are vowing to do more to ensure better pay and safer environments in the factories that make their products.

ANALYZE THE GRAPH

(1) About how much more is a garment worker's minimum monthly wage in Honduras than in Bangladesh?

a $86

b $128

c $194

d $232

(2) Full-time U.S. workers making the national minimum wage earn about $1,Z50 per month. That is--the minimum monthly wage earned by garment workers in China.

a almost double

b about 3 times

c about 5 times

d about 9 times

(3) In how many of the countries on the graph does a minimum-wage garment worker earn at least $1,200 in a year?

a two

b three

c four

d five

(4) In Sri Lanka, the minimum wage for garment workers is about $61 per month. If Sri Lanka were added to this graph, It would correctly be placed directly above--.

a Indonesia

b Bangladesh

c India

d Vietnam

(5) Many are pushing for a wage increase in Bangladesh. The most recent increase, In 2010, raised the monthly minimum wage by 80 percent. Another 80 percent increase would raise it to--.

a about $68

b about $85

c about $103

d about $176

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

(1) In Bangladesh, the minimum wage for garment workers is higher than...