Tracy;

This issue is complex and has many facets. A report I saw stated that Nike pays 1.5 cents labor for each shoe made in China, and they retail for $150 a pair here. You hear the news that a kid here is killed for his/her “tennis shoes”.

American companies want to maximize profits so they move to other countries where labor is cheep and life is cheaper. After decades of unions fighting in this country for safe working environments and conditions of employment, the government stepped in and agreed by passing laws. To negate these improvements in chemical handling, labor relations, etc., the American company moves to a foreign country. The argument is the American labor is “too expensive”.

Electronic manufacturers moved operations to Mexico, where the workers are paid about $5.80 a day. Many employees handle dangerous chemicals and suitable safety standards do not exist. If you are injured or become ill you will be replaced. There are many people in Mexico that are standing in line to have a job.

The textile industry is yet another area where offshore labor or even domestic labor is a serious issue. During the last 30 years the argument has been “we are a service society – not a manufacturing society”. We should sit at home while others serve us and people in other countries create products we purchase. Sounds good in theory if you are the boss or independently wealthy but how do I sit at home and get paid?

Tom