Reflections from a White American Woman Working in a Garment Factory in the Philippines

Reflections from a White American Woman Working in a Garment Factory in the Philippines

Synthesis:

The study/"participant observation" was conducted by Patricia Wagner. It describes the situation of a garment factory (in the early 1990s), which are certainly not the worst, but not the best either.

The Garment Factory, in view, was located in the working-class district in Manila. The company has a thousand workers, who worked long hours in a poor physical environment and were paid slave wages. The factory workers earn three to four dollars (89 pesos) for 12 hours work in producing a black satin priced at $48 and silk at $89. They are the ones who leave their homes before sunrise and arrive home after dark. These workers were supervised by well compensated managers, who demands perfection, speed and promptness from them.

The employees' situation in the factory is the main concern in the study. Given the competitive pressures in the market, what are the powerful steps can the company take in order to provide quality service both to its customers and workers?

Point of View:

From the group's perspective, we want to look at what opens doors to creative resolution that works for both the factory and its workers.

Statement of the Problem:

How can the company be profitable yet ethical at the same time?

Statement of Objectives:

1. To ensure that the rights of workers are being considered, based on the existing labor policies and practices of the garment factory.

2. To align the company's goals with the legal rules and standards.

Areas of Consideration:

Strengths:

1. The factory demands for high standards

2. Provide training for new employees

3. Low labor cost (Php 89.00 per day/$3-4 a day)

4. High Profit

5. Experienced and loyal workers

Weaknesses:

1. Mainstream approach of management

2. Slave wages paid to the employees

3. Poor physical working environment

4. Lack of manpower (working hours)

5. Low technology'

Opportunities:

1. More workers coming from other companies that shut down

2. Less competition due to other companies

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