Cambodia Garment Worker Dreams of Better Future

Bargains for intricate fashions so plentiful in boutiques around the world are only possible because workers in less developed nations like Cambodia endure long hours, with a workweek that encompasses six 12-hour days, earning less than $3.50 per day. “This exhausting regimen is a reality for the majority of Cambodia's approximately 600,000 garment workers,” writes Kyle James. He profiles Chem Can, 25, who describes horrific factory conditions and sending $20 each month to parents and nine siblings in a rural farming village, including funds for a sister’s education. Cambodia exported more than $5 billion of clothing in 2013, most to Europe and the United States. Trade unions, activists and workers want more profits to go into wages. On Christmas Eve, tens of thousands of Cambodian workers walked off jobs, and the government cracked down in early January, banning future protests. Companies insist if wages rise, they will relocate factories to nations with lower wages. Workers counter they protest for all, including future generations. – YaleGlobal