The major retailers have been “pulling a fast one” on consumers for years. As reported in past articles there are “sweatshops” across the world, even in the U.S. These present products and services to unsuspecting consumers, some are deadly to the same consumers. But at the other end are those forced to accept in-human conditions, even being sold as a produce to others, a product of 27 million humans globally. Those in control of these operations sell the manufactured products to us all, but they are reluctant to tell the manner in which such is created. This makes legal actions and protections of the poor harder, so clearing up the 122 goods and 58 countries involved lacks support. A look at California’s new law shows us a clear picture of why such still exist today and what we can do about it.
As of 1 January, 2012 California Transparency in Supply Chain Act is in effect. This forces a disclosure from retailers and manufactures who globally gross $100 million to inform the public. This does not require they take action, only tell the public what actions if any they have taken against the use of slave labor. Other conditions exist as well, verification of records and practices with audits to insure accountability and directed responsibility into supply chains, even direct raw materials used. No one is forcing or requiring them to enforce laws, that is why there is an Attorney General. But any actions or avoidance of such are meant to be recorded and provided for public view via websites or within 30 days of written notice. But these only apply to those entities selling in California with a gross earnings, real and tangible property and compensation all exceeding the lesser of $500,000 or 25 percent total company sales in California. Now comes the big question, with all the provisions limiting which entities are required, how many will fall into this category? One can bet not many!
The new currency for future business will involve both a reputation and the sustainability of operations. These go hand-in-hand as a reputation allows access to resources that provide the sustainability to keep the reputation. Not just access to renewable energies or production facilities, but also the creditability to gain investors and other funds. Investors have already demanded changes, thus provoking legislative efforts to concentrate on capturing and punishing such crimes. But the real effort to stop the marketing of slavery goes unnoticed; “Polite Society” does not offend its own. To talk about such things will result in finding information that attacks the reputations of those they hold dearest. A reputation for fair business practices allows such a society to ignore facts; they simple see and know but do not talk or stop such. This reputation allows long-term contracts to be made, a promise of both incoming funds and outgoing production. Thus a reputation grows as the profits grow, continued business operations even if slavery is involved. “Politic Society” simple looks the other way as loss of exploitation and slavery would lessen the gains they have made already, not to mention future gains.
Before political changes and wars of long ago, this was the problem with the Southern plantations and conquest of India, all so cotton would be available at cheap cost to textile manufactures. People get offended if you present the facts of how they made their lives by exploiting others, so society does not talk it. As such everyone knew it was going on, who is doing it, even that it is wrong. Today the same is happen in the same industry but legislative efforts are designed to protect those will money, not expose them. Thus only a few will fall into this category and they will be left with the means of explaining why they should not be held accountable. So then who is involved in slavery and how will we know? Justin Dillon has sponsored a site at www.slaveryfootprint.org to help the public in reporting. Look and find out, do not sit in the dark acting politic to slave owners. Make them explain why, with over 140 years of law this country can not end such a crisis!