Being Ethical, For the Clothier

When I thought about writing this article, several things came to mind. However, the thing I decided to focus on was sweatshops, where women and children are employed for pennies a day to produce some of the leading brands that we unknowingly buy from major department stores around the country. This is a most disturbing fact that exists today.

Businesses that participate in this type of unethical abuse of power and exploitation of children and women should be boycotted and shut down. This type of practice is usually motivated by greed, lust of the eye and covetousness, persuaded by a most wicked and deceitful heart cf (Jer 17:9; Isa 55:6-8). Flagrant business practices of this nature is especially abominable in the eyes of the Lord.

The word of God has this to say about taking advantage of the poor:

“You shall not oppress a hired servant who is poor and needy, whether he is one of your brothers or one of the sojourners who are in your land within your towns.” (cf Deu 24:14) “Whoever oppresses the poor to increase his own wealth, or gives to the rich, will only come to poverty.” (Prov 22:16) The Lord God also gives this warning, “Do not rob the poor, because he is poor, or crush the afflicted at the gate, for the Lord will plead their cause and rob of life those who rob them.” (cf Prov 22:22-23) This is an assurance of divine retribution, as the Lord will stand as their (the poor) advocate, even if it means raising up men/women to carry out His work of justice – within the boundaries of the law of the land.

Unfortunately, detecting whether a manufacturer may be using a sweatshop(s) can be challenging. When a clothier buys from a supplier, the purchase is being made in utmost good faith. However, it is the responsibility of the clothier to do their due-diligence during the research process to make sure that they are using reputable suppliers.

Also, there is a watchdog body call the National Mobilization Against Sweatshops (NMASS) in New York that expose the practice of this type of business in the garment as well as other industries. With NMASS you can become a member, join their mailing list and receive their newsletter via email. This is a good way to stay informed on whats happening in your industry.

Here is another watchdog group that’s exposing this practice around the world: United Students Against Sweatshops also known as USAS.

A recent article was posted by this group on April 23, 2009 talking about how these students stepped up against sweatshops and they are making some headway with their campaign.

I must admit that the above groups are quite zealous in their quest to rescue individuals from this form of oppression. However, it is evident that after reviewing their sites, I concluded that the reader will walk away with the knowledge of what sweatshops really are and the understanding of how you can detect one – from a distance. Remember, sweatshops are note only those garment producers that use minors and or underpaid women to produce their products. A sweatshop can also carry-on the practice of inhumane conditions for its workers, unreasonable long working hours, lack of proper medical care for their employees, an unsafe or hazardous working environment, or some other type of abusive environment.

Here are some measures that the clothier can put in place to prevent using or reduce the chance of using manufacturers that may be engaging in the practice of using sweatshops to produce their products:

* Know your supplier – Do what you can to get to know them, via phone conversations or over a cup of coffee

* Ask your supplier, in writing, whether their is a company policy against knowingly using sweatshops to produce their products

* Confirm whether their products are produced in a quality controlled non-hazardous environment

* Find out whether the manufacturer is a member of their state or country Chamber of Commerce, Better Business Bureau or some other respectable body that encourages accountability

* Ask whether the company was ever accused breaking child labor laws – be it foreign or domestic

* Also ask any other question that come to mind

There is a saying, “you are known by the company you keep”. This statement is not necessarily always true. However, perception, for some, if not most, people is reality. Remember, your business is a reflection of you. We must always care about what is the public’s perception of our company, so as to build a reputation of being a good corporate citizen, putting Christ on display – daily.

In our next issue:
Business Ethics… for the Clothier (Part Two)

For more articles like this visit: Christian Business Ethics

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Bobby E. Miller – EzineArticles Expert Author

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