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Oct 29, 2020 11:38 AM
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TakeTheStairs
LOL @ her being the "idol of bourgeois liberal feminists" since when is that even a thing
Jdizzle72
Living wage in this country is $232 per month. She couldn't pony up 1.45 per hour ?
Chainhealer
Does that even take taxes into account?
q34tw4
The most ironic thing about this post is the fact that it says "Via iPhone" So I'm pretty sure this guy really does care about this issue
janaxiolier
It is not ironic to point out problems. This is a problem, and that doesn't mean we are not all a part of it.
janaxiolier
so technically doesn't own his phone and did not choose it. Also he would be the first to admit that we are all a part of the problem.
janaxiolier
my husband posted this. he didnt buy and doesn't own an Iphone. He uses his company phone for everything and
legomyfooto
(1)so hes postn about what she is doing while he works for a company that buys products that do the same thing she does on a larger scale
legomyfooto
(2) ok. I'm not saying nothing shouldnt be said. Its just ironic, but hey its the company phone so i guess that makes it ok.
fowlersleftfoot
I don’t deny it, I just don’t buy the notion that people who post this shit give a solitary fuck about the plight of exploited workers.
EmanNiemThcin
Well mate, that's your fucking problem https://youtu.be/QJEE-Z-m7pM
fowlersleftfoot
You wanna have a conversation about capitalist hypocrisy and cooperate imperialism, cool. You want to use it as a way of bashing a celebrity
fowlersleftfoot
You don’t like because they also support the concept of gender and racial equality, then get fucked.
SarcasticComment
How about I do both and you get fucked? Stand before me claiming to be someone who "empowers", then I will hold you to that critically.
SarcasticComment
If anything you being a well know celebrity makes you an excelent figure head to express the shortcomings of race to the bottom capitalism.
YourmomusesTinder
When people blames the government for exporting jobs, just remember that it's not your gov't, it's the brands you love cutting costs.
YouSufferWithCognitiveDissonance
It's the bankers, if a company applies for a loan to expand production in the USA, try won't get it, but will if they expand in China etc.
YourmomusesTinder
Probably that too but If the company doesn't want to pay minimum wage for production they outsource. Same as material cost, logistics etc.
MrHailstone
I dont defend her, dont even like her. But lets be real here, does she even know? Thats a company thing, dont think she tired those people
rudejohn
Her company posted a response in 2016. She knows. https://money.cnn.com/2016/05/17/news/beyonce-ivy-park-sweatshop-accusation/index.html
NotaCPA
this shit gets posted every few months. Racists pile on while other people debunk this shit. I really hate this about Imgur
caerulakid
Don't forget sexists! All this gross trolling is for naught if we don't deign to acknowledge their otherwise irrelevant existence.
NotaCPA
thank you, I see a lot of sexism linked to racism for these posts. We should acknowledge the sexism in all forms
WhatTheDormouseSaid
spookyactionatadistance
Let's not kid ourselves. Almost any clothes all of us wear are made in the same conditions.
AllmightyKeim
It’s funny that you think Beyoncé knows where her clothes are made and you think she pays them. This is all Adidas.
llllllllllll
This is true and worth pointing out. Question is if this is brought up to smear feminists in general or this kind of behaviour specifically.
TrowelAndError
As a liberal feminist, I wasn’t aware that Beyoncé was my idol.
DoomsdayInterlude
Intersectionality matters for this very reason.
amiurume
Just look at Fifty Cent. Greed is a powerful thing.
YourmomusesTinder
This continues to be reposted without context. @OP that may sound low in the US but what is the standard in Sri Lanka?
ruint
and how does 64c/hour compare to the average unskilled wage in Sri Lanka?
ArtistX
Weird how people support Beyonce doing this, because it's a good wage there... but not any other company. Hypocrites.
DanaConti5
Ask them what labels they’re wearing right now. They “support” it with their money.
ljw1004
Is she an idol of the bourgeois liberal feminists? I don't know who that group is. I've not seen my liberal feminist friends idolize her.
Foetidus
That’s iFunny for you. There’s a lot of thinly veiled alt-right rhetoric on there sorta sprinkled into the memes.
JayTheSaltLord
it's mostly overt alt-right rhetoric along with racism and homophobia these days. It's like they're competing with 9Gag over who's worse.
TakeTheStairs
lol seriously. that line really cracked me up. we`Ve seen this image posted here before but without the inflamatory labelling.
matyles
Imgur seems to hold a deep resentment towards women
caerulakid
Why the crack about bourgeios liberal feminists? This is standard capitalism.
LittleLatinBoyInDrag
Because it's tiring to see this overrated singer hyped up as much as she is. There is nothing royal about her either.
caerulakid
Ok. So the bourgeois liberal feminist thing was just a clandestine way to express OP's annoyance at her fame? Sounds legit.
LittleLatinBoyInDrag
Anyway, slave labor is exremely immoral and I'm glad to see that this company appears to be making strides in the right direction.
LizardEnterprises
Because OP doesn't actually care about workers in sri lanka. OP only cares about winning his bullshit little culture war.
caerulakid
Ah yes the reversed "let he who is without sin cast the first stone" approach. It's really let the creme of the crop rise in the GOP, eh?
LizardEnterprises
The learned well from the authoritarians they admire.
FrolickingFrolicking
Because OP is a toxic idiot who hates women and especially black women. OP lied by using present tense
Hexo231
It's a sad state of affairs but in Sri Lanka, Bangladesh etc there are millions waiting for your job. This meager salary actually helps
SeregRauko
That is true. But it still doesn't make Beyonce the progressive role model she wants to be.
machtyn
And while that is a nice, feel good statement to make as we sit on our couches and take a yearly vacation. They have no vacation.
xKaraKx
That doesnt explain why her company cant pay them more... if they sell shit for more than $10 they can pay those workers more
Hexo231
Cost of materials, equipment staff. Manufacturer usually takes 1/2, distribution/ importer 1/2, retailer markup 100-200%.
Sinael
Capitalism - companies strive to pay people as little as they possibly can
GooseGuy99
The joys of CAPITALISM!
Hexo231
Low cost, low margin, high competition. Factories always setup with low input costs
xKaraKx
Yes. Capitalism is exploitative i know
Hexo231
No. Life is exploitative. All systems rely on similar inputs and all is taken from others, which is taken from the Sun.
Hexo231
You are as predatory as any other specie, just in denial.
TheWarHymn
Because marketing is the biggest cost for most name brands.
cheesygorditocrunch
Just letting you know, the livable wage in Sri Lanka is $5.33/day. At 0.76/hr, her employees only need to work 8 hrs to reach that. It’s 1/2
YouSufferWithCognitiveDissonance
It's above the $1.08 poverty line https://www.wri.org/resources/charts-graphs/global-average-income-rural-poor
cheesygorditocrunch
2/2 about livable wage. How much your wage is vs how much it costs to buy goods in your country. No, its not alot but they can live off this
cheesygorditocrunch
https://www.globallivingwage.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Sri-Lanka-Living-Wage-report.pdf
OlivSBUnityQueen
Thought I'd add this as an actual comment instead of just a reply. This article though true is from 2016. They changed practices bc of this>
OlivSBUnityQueen
After this article came out and blew up Beyonce took %100 control of the company severed ties with the CEO of TopShop and made changes.
OlivSBUnityQueen
Even though it should NOT have taken this article to cause those changes the good news is they still happened. Here's the link to sauce>
OlivSBUnityQueen
https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2018/11/15/beyonce-ivy-park/
AmmoniumAcetate
What did you think running the world meant? It’s always been about exploiting other people.
MyVerySmarterUserName
Totally misguided, she is contributing to the growth of the economy, remove those jobs and then ?... The salary is double the minimum, and
MyVerySmarterUserName
although it is very low compared to the profit margin, increasing their salary even higher would only contribute to increasing inflation.
rossimus
Yeah, empowerment never meant "everyone gets power", it means that the zero-sum pie is divided a little differently. Theres always a loser.
Ginoawesomesauce
Srsly don't know how people don't get this. Freedom from color & sexual discrimination is not the same as destroying capitalism
PINKLEDQUEEN
Destroy capitalism and substitute it with what?
Ginoawesomesauce
Mokelzwerg
Not defending Beyoncé, but I’m pretty sure it was one of her manufacturers who did that. Her fault is that she didn’t check on them.
Tundra314
Also that wage is pretty good in the area. Just because we need a lot more to survive here, doesn’t mean it’s bad over there
prostrats108
Are you stupid? That wage could buy someone 2 loaves of bread. Do your research before you go commenting.
Tundra314
I don’t mind being called out wrong. But I do mind the insults. Have a debate without attacking, I would appreciate it.
UmamiMama
Have you seen the conditions these people live in China, India, Vietnam?
UmamiMama
If she's not checking, then that's laziness on her part to not enforce good labor practices in her model
Mokelzwerg
That was my point.
ontarioOT
This is the argument several corporations (e.g., Nike, walmart, GAP) have made over the years - 'it's their supply chain, not them'. Didn't
ontarioOT
hold any water then, and it definitely doesn't hold any water now.
Mokelzwerg
What do you want them to do?
madbydesign
Smugly posted from a smartphone made by people in worse working conditions.
bloodydingo
These comments are the least helpful of all. You may only fight injustice if you're perfect is an impossible message that slave owners love
madbydesign
Your comment saved the lives of zero people, just like OPs repost.
PrincessWillard
Everyone's complicit. Some of us are at least trying not to be as complicit, but good on you for undermining any attempts.
madbydesign
Undermining, lol. Drama queen
rudejohn
"There are other problems I deem more important so I'm going to invalidate any attempt to solve this one." -madbydesign, an asshole
madbydesign
Username checks out, but it should include dumbass as they believe reposting images is any sort of attempt to solve problems.
WorksForTheHutts
You're right. How dare they talk about this? Their own purchases completely invalidate the data. /s
KeepTheEarthBelowMyFeet
Also true. But its an interesting point. How many people seeing this image will ever do anything about it, other than reposting it?
WorksForTheHutts
Maybe don't support that particular brand since there are so many options for similar products.
DanaConti5
This is an industry wide problem though. Are there “so many options” for garments manufactured by workers who are well paid?
KeepTheEarthBelowMyFeet
Not saying you're wrong at all. And awareness is the first step. Just food for thought.
matyles
I'm aware that the only time I see people talk about this issue is when its directed towards a powerful woman
WorksForTheHutts
People take issue with the phone industry, and they don't claim to be empowering the marginalized. Apple isn't a powerful woman.
ontarioOT
If anyone's interested in learning more about this issue, pick up "No logo" by Naomi Klein. It's a few years old but still relevant. If it's
HalfMouse
There’s a really good current podcast called Remember Who Made Them all about the garment industry. Highly recommend it. Also check out Aja
HalfMouse
Barber on Instagram and Patreon, she’s a wealth of knowledge about the current state of affairs and ethical clothing brands
ontarioOT
TL; DR, you can look up a summary / review on YouTube. Spoiler - it's everyone's fault (foreign and local gov't, companies exploiting, etc)
paintingagency
A "No Logo" plug in 2020? That's like a unicorn. Great book, still hideously relevant.
ontarioOT
I only read it like a year or two ago, so it was still fresh-ish in my mind.
AlanNapier
DigitalHare
And yet this shit still makes front page. Was a time imgur cared more about that sort of thing.
RideTheStimutacs
Imgur needs a crop tool for its upload screen.
Forgotmyoldaccountbutohwell
FelonyFerret
Time to stir the shit...
IveGotRedOnMe
AlexjoneswatchingTporn
BJA007
I hope you people understand this is true and dont downvote the crap out of it. Next comment will have a link for you to read. (1/2)
FrancisLouJean
What about every person who sells on teespring? Do they pay fair wages for the blank shirts?
BadScooter
Additionally, those workers were actually being paid ABOVE min wage and ind standard. Indicative of problems, but Beyoncé isn’t that problem
complicated227
According to Google search, the avg family of 4's monthly costs of living in Sri Lanka is $1,472. (1/2)
complicated227
So TBF $0.64/hr if true is still bad, but not nearly as bad as it is presented without local economic context. (2/2)
DrGonzosDirtyShorts
If they were to work 60 hrs a week, that’s 153 dollars a month. Doesn’t quite cover 1400
BadScooter
Additionally, the source of this is a popular tabloid, not known for their journalistic integrity (parts of the article were disproven)
JJmoneyBags
This guy's giving us the sauce.
Alaska9O7
Oh wait, I want to join.....#cancelme..
Technocratic
What do you mean “you people” haha
SJohnson23
Was true.
BadScooter
Actually seems like Topshop was responsible for operations. I believe Beyoncé’s licensing company severed ties after this was exposed.
Shuey
Is? ? Lord you at least have to this smart *raises hand over your head* to call people out on bullshit
MechaNinja
Hahaha of course it's true.
OddOod
In 2016 64c/hr was slightly below the median income for Sri Lanka
BugzzBunny
One could also argue that claiming that one gender is superior to the other is not feminism, if equality is the goal, hence...
BugzzBunny
"who run the world", as eloquently that is expressed, does not seem to be in favor of equality
BJA007
https://www.vice.com/en/article/d7anay/beyonce-topshop-ivy-park-sweatshop-factory-labor (2/2)
Seishin4
While bad, we could say the same thing for fast food workers or something here. Can't survive on a salary which is minimum or a bit above.
Golgothanworm
2016
DukePaulAtreides
Subsequent updates: https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2018/11/15/beyonce-ivy-park/
DukePaulAtreides
https://glassclothing.com/beyonce-and-sweatshops-is-ivy-park-unethical/ (sourcing isn't phenomenal but it's more up-to-date)
JerzeeTomato
Can anyone explain to me why the standard of living is not the same everywhere?
Tumescentpie
Capitalism might not be so great: https://youtu.be/yP9Oj65OweI
Rexsplode
Got anything newer than 2016?
BJA007
does an article from 4 years ago mean she did not do this? "well you know, this is old news so we should just forget about it"...
Rexsplode
No, but after outcry things change, an update to know if things changed our not is warranted otherwise you're just Kony 2012
Rips4w
What an older article doesnt provide is how the situation may have changed, either for better or worse. Don't be like that.
YouKnowMyFriendBobSacamano
I’ve always wondered if these comparisons are fair. Meaning, do they account for regional differences in costs of living and average wages?
SmolTenk
I mean, there is a reason why the cost of living is lower there, so thats hardly an argument.
meanartcritic
The article flat out says no, the workers can't really survive on $126 a month.
travishawkins2199
It really says the whole industry has a problem with an average pay off $116 to $136 - this factory at $126 is pretty standard
Notmybeardedladynotmycarnival
But it also points out that wage is about 150% of thier minimum wage
ImGonnaRickRollYou
The federal mijimum wage in the US is $7.25. That means around $1,160 per month. The average median rent is 1,210.50. Considering that 1/2
ConstatineEmpire
Recently found out this exists. Basically rent controlled areas where rent is super inexpensive but you need to prove low income to qualify
ImGonnaRickRollYou
Most places (in my experience) require people to make at least 3x the amount of rent per month, the US has it pretty abysmally too. 2/2
AzbyFinch
Not that it's all rosy WRT wages/rents, but comparing _minimum_ wage with _median_ rent is not really valid - people who are making 1/n
iamthisguy247
Her line pays double the min wage (sauce below). I think it speaks more to manufacturing overseas, especially clothing, than just Beyoncé.
iamthisguy247
https://www.cbsnews.com/news/beyonces-ivy-park-clothing-line-denies-sweatshop-allegations/#app
JuggernaughtJoe
All this this is, is quote the last paragraph in the expose article where they are aware of paying just above minimum wage.
iamthisguy247
Also, her clothing is now made in partnership with Adidas, so all of this might be different now.
tigercheesesteak
It says clothing manufacturing is one of the biggest employers in the country, where would 300,000 people work if you increase costs 3x
tigercheesesteak
Likely the companies would move to Bangladesh. Likely the workers would have to find a less desirable occupation that pays even less.
UmamiMama
Obviously these companies want cheap labor, that's why they export their manufacturing. Sad really
sirsaltalot
So obvious that this comment doesn't add anything to the discourse. Nice farming bro
UmamiMama
Oh no, points matter to you? Gtfo "bro"
ironcladread
Keep costs low so you don't demand higher wages.
KillingTlme
How else is Beyonce supposed to afford her 30 million dollar boat?
rushin1985
I have worked for a few massive international companies who called the workforce in Asia and India the farms used to do the grunt work.
UmamiMama
Ugh, so disgusting
OliverClothesoff70
If you're trying to sell your stuff super-cheap, then getting super-cheap labor is your only option. Kanye sells his T-shirts for >$60 each.
bentren
And who does all that money go to? https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/kanye-west-yeezy-trainers-chinese-10215033
hashtagidiot
Does his brand pay people more for labor?
bentren
Good question: nope https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/kanye-west-yeezy-trainers-chinese-10215033
Shounteal
While true it is also 4 years out of date. Beyonce no longer associates with Topshop. Not saying things are completely good, but1/2
Shounteal
...there have been some improvements made. https://glassclothing.com/beyonce-and-sweatshops-is-ivy-park-unethical/
LordofSandvich
My question is how personally involved beyonce is in it. Not like I like her, I just want to know.
BinxiB
Its also double the minimum wage there so
hwatL4bloopy
You might be a but. A Google search says the minimum wage of srilanka is only 10k. Doesn't mean it's good though.
hwatL4bloopy
Google says the cost of living in Colombo Sri Lanka is 350k so the numbers are so rediculous I don't know anymore
lurkinlady
Quick googling says someone would have to work 47.5 hours/week at that rate in SL to make a living wage. Sounds better than some US rates...
thor0486
Wrong. $131.31/month is srilanka minimum wage. It would take 210 hours at $0.64/hour to reach that. At 40 hours/week, that is over 5 weeks.
TakeTheStairs
so her factory violates local laws? seems unlikely
thor0486
I made a mistake, I was looking at indian rupees, 10000 Sri Lankan Rupees is only $54 USD. That changes everything.
thor0486
I used the wrong type of rupee doing the math here. 10000 Sri Lankan rupees is only $54 USD.
fowlersleftfoot
I hope you people read this persons other comments and realise they don’t give two fucks about the exploitation of workers
BJA007
what makes you say that? You really have to be salty to spend that much time on me
fowlersleftfoot
Took me less than 20 seconds. Always nice to see someone’s bias before you accept the comment as neutral
BJA007
link me one comment?
[deleted]
[deleted]
fowlersleftfoot
Nah
OlivSBUnityQueen
Hey! This is an awesome article! I did some digging and though this article is proven its also from 2016. The GOOD news is after this >
OlivSBUnityQueen
After this article was released and blew up the CEO of IVy Park severed tues with Top Shops CEO and the company so they could take charge of
OlivSBUnityQueen
Better ethical practices and manufacturers. I know it's not %100 solved but bringing this issue to light 4 years ago definitely helped.
TheReelOldGreg
I like that you looked into this. Honestly beyonce runs a competitive business, so the fact she had to doesnt surprise me, its good to see1/
OlivSBUnityQueen
I'm a big believer in letting your opinions change with new information, but also fact checking that info cause...it's the internet
TheReelOldGreg
Her changing though. Bad things always happen without us knowing, but its what you do after its been brought up, that shows who you are .
OlivSBUnityQueen
Here's the link. https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2018/11/15/beyonce-ivy-park/
UmamiMama
Thanks!
theredacted
What do we honestly think happened to those sweatshop workers tho? 1 of 2 things. Fired. Or making other people’s clothes for the same $$
Muttons1337
Honestly, I like this story and link a whole lot better.
emelgren
This is why I love Imgur. FOLLOWUP.
Nobanob
Topshop is owned by a knight... Sir Philip Green should be stripped of his lands, holdings, and title
OiishikataAK
Nice sauce. Thanks!
UsernameMatt
This should be part of the post. Makes for a larger conversation.
Xsamuraizx
Thanks for sauce. It doesn't become an issue until it is, but hey it's a step.
aRootinaTootin
I mean yeah but what's the percentage of Beyonce fans on imgur? Maybe downvoters just don't really give a shit about her?
capughe
I think beyonce is pretty popular on here given all the posts when she announced her pregnancy a few years ago
DaveTheScientist
I, for one, truly don't care about her. A lot of people like her music, and her messages are typically good. Not surprised her clothing line
DaveTheScientist
uses cheap foreign labour; they all do. I don't know how bad 64c/h is for Bangladesh, but seems pretty low.
BadScooter
Unfortunately, it was above the local minimum wage, which is fucked up in itself, but not Beyoncé’s doing
OliverClothesoff70
Fans or not, Imgur's audience has a pretty good history of adding publicity to situations where famous people are being huge hypocrites.
WaveMotionGum
What's the hypocrite part? Is she anti global capitalism in some songs?
TakeTheStairs
publicity inside our echo chamber, sure. how about the fact that this story is 4 yrs old and improvements have been made at the company? 1/2
TakeTheStairs
so are imgurians giving publicity to old fake news now?? it got upvoted because it sparks outrage. just like how FB works.
NewtGinGrinch
It's part of an agenda.. this is the same group that does the nasty political stuff and anti china/anti US fuckery as well.
missnye
I honestly don't see the appeal in Beyonce. She is not Gaia come again.
ILikeToCallItLostWages
yeah I don't really like curb your enthusiasm
tr26
I dig her music, and her live performances are among the best I’ve experienced.
shadyminivan
I like how you liking her music and live performance was enough to be downvoted. Imgur is a strange place
PeebRow
Agreed, her music does nothing for me, and I do enjoy r&b. Her vocal acrobatics are cheesy as fuck. Summersaults when a sprint is needed.
antman2988
I've never liked her and never understood the appeal of her.
Earlkay
She’s very good at adjusting her sound, sometimes taking risks, in order to stay relevant. I’m not fan but there’s a reason man are
Earlkay
Many are*
supergreenpasta
Well she's beautiful, what what you might not know is she's actually a really good singer!
famicus
You could say that about almost anything popular. She should make better choices w regard to the post. But ultimately the blame is on system
rbudrick
Michelle Williams from destinys child is infinitely more talented. No idea why beyonce got so much more famous.
iwantthatpost
Have you met trump
ILikeToCallItLostWages
Sucks, but Beyonce had more "crossover" appeal since she's lighter skinned
rbudrick
Williams is hotter by far in every measure.
ILikeToCallItLostWages
You've got my sword, but mainstream media companies sell what they sell
Wrenfield
Because Beyonce's mom was married to the manager of Destiny's Child.
rbudrick
Ah. Gotcha. But damn williams sounds like an angel. Whitney Houston power kinda voice, but sweeter, imo.
RolandLovecraft
There was a discussion about that “famous for nothing” family on here yesterday. People are drawn to luxury and shit they’ll never afford. >
RolandLovecraft
Escapism or idolization of what “wealth” looks like. In reality, theyre just trashy, boring people with horrible taste and pettiness inside.
fightfightfightlosewinfight
Beyonce is a great entertainer. This isn't a 'famous for nothing' thing. She's not a kardashian.
RolandLovecraft
She writes none of her music, shes propped up by money and other people with real talent. Shes a puppet who got lucky. Couldve been anyone.
ILikeToCallItLostWages
Nah. She works very very hard on her craft. Do you think actors write their own lines? No, they perform them better than others.
fightfightfightlosewinfight
You could say the same thing about Yo-Yo Ma or Elvis.
innagaddavidababy
So, those women would move to higher paying jobs if Beyoncé didn’t hire them? This is a harder issue than you are making it out to be.
Tundra314
That is a higher paying job. I think it’s double their minimum wage
xKaraKx
That doesnt matter... beyonce's company is paying them a fraction of a fraction of the worth of their labor
DamnedAustin
So is Bezos, Zuckerberg, the Waltons. Fuck, name a company that isn't paying its workers a fraction of their labor. That's Capitalism.
IHateCakeDays
Doesn’t matter, they are not pushing up that they are doing service to their slaves. Beyoncé is hard core capitalist, but wants to hide it
DamnedAustin
How does she hide it? I don't recall her making anti-Capitalist songs.
xKaraKx
I agree. Libertarian socialism would be better
MyAssholeSpeaksFrenchLikeBillyCorganOnARollercoaster
The worth of their labor is dependent on the local economy and not your ideals of what they should be paid. If they were to be paid even $3
MyAssholeSpeaksFrenchLikeBillyCorganOnARollercoaster
Per hour, that would disrupt the entire economy there because other employers would be pressured to do the same and go bankrupt.
xKaraKx
Good. We need to disrupt the system of overseas exploitation... if a worker creates a product they deserve more than 1/1000th of that
xKaraKx
Product's worth. They deserve as much of the value of their labor as possible to keep a company running
xKaraKx
The worth of their labor is determined by the profit the company makes off the products they create... and our society has just
xKaraKx
Acted as though exploiting developing nations is fine as long as they get paid the piddling amount their local government requires (ignoring
xKaraKx
How much of a hand the US/corporations had in manipulating said local government)
mfbtek
I’m curious. What kind of standard of living does $.64/hr. get you in Sri Lanka? Is it comparable to $10/hr. here? I wish I had more context
illogical06
No
murderjollies
Sri Lankan here. I had a 'good' office job (2 Masters, 1 BA) and earned less than $2 an hour. I outearned my cousin's entire family.
otirrub
In the vice article on the top comment thread it's said that a living wage is 3 times what they're being paid
mytruepersonality
The biggest problem is that minimum wage means jack shit now. It also shouldn't just be liveable wage. I needs to be a thriving wage.
copingcabana
I've read that those job are far from slavery. They're sought after. Doesn't mean it's fair, but it does give context.
Mikeiller
for comparrison's sake in Sri Lanka, a typical fast food meal costs: 4.60 USD (850 LKR) for a meal at McDonalds or BurgerKing
BjornFjord
1of2. https://wageindicator.org/salary/minimum-wage/sri-lanka
BjornFjord
2of2. https://www.nationmaster.com/country-info/compare/Sri-Lanka/United-States/Cost-of-living
DoggoPicsMakeMeHungry
TIL it's more expensive to buy an apartment in city centre in >50% of countries than the US
janaxiolier
people need to stop saying this is OKAY because it is min wage there! Do you know how crappy the average person lives there?? This is unfair
YouSufferWithCognitiveDissonance
https://www.wri.org/resources/charts-graphs/global-average-income-rural-poor
lydiaalpha59101
In essence...it should be American made!!
Noraneko
Looks like 1 h of works gets a Sri Lanka girl around 1,3 loafs of white bread.
gunnexx
Cost of living is lower than the West but its still fuck all https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Sri+Lanka
gablestout
I f'd up my math. At article writing, they made 19.4k LKR/mo. Avg household income was 21.2k LKR. Thx @GoAheadAndDownvoteYouFlippingFascist
waiwode
Plane flights don't get cheaper because they're paid 5% of an American wage. Why are they denied access to luxuries we take for granted?
FussyZeus
It doesn't really matter since the World Bank re-adjusts the poverty index to continue lowering the rates of poverty worldwide and then 1/
FussyZeus
gives exploitative colonial industries a blue ribbon for lifting countries out of poverty. It's all complete and utter bullshit to make 2/
FussyZeus
consumers in developed countries think their lifestyle isn't completely turbofucking the planet and it's less fortunate inhabitants. 3/3
Primusautobot5
It does not
Primusautobot5
These workers very poor and have low standard of living.
regatenapizpireta
...just think it global...
SwedeOnAnIsland
According to a google search a big mac costs 3,8 USD in SR. So they’d have to work almost 6 hours to afford one, before taxes...
ruferto
how much does the food they actually eat cost tho?
IHateCakeDays
American fast food is not good measurement, when living in Thailand, pizza or burger cost 10-20 more than normal street food
HPCmonkey
Why split hairs, though? Why not just pay them $15/hr USD? Being ok with paying less oversees just reinforces the US as a superior class.
optimisticredshirt
The dollar amount given as a wage is irrelevant, it’s all about buying power. $15 there is like hundreds here.
HPCmonkey
"better than minimum" is just not good enough. People can't live on these "amazing" wages. Shut up, pay them.
optimisticredshirt
We’re talking about conversion rates here. People generally should be paid more, I agree. $15 is too much for Sri Lanka factory workers.
haggerton
Cost of transport means it makes no sense to do production overseas if wage is same. But yes, there is a global class divide as you remarked
TheWarHymn
That being said, the cost of most consumer products is sunk into marketing. For a $3k container freight, I can ship +$100k worth of jeans.
neodare
Or move the factory to somewhere in the US where $15/hr is above minimum wage and create some local jobs :)
gablestout
$15/hr is the equivalent of 5,500,000 LKR per year. That would put you in the top 1% of earners in Sri Lanka
HPCmonkey
Yes, working for an American company should mean making American wages, end of.
jagermaestro
Because of inflation and what that does to the resulting economy. Please just try to understand money. It's not goods.
jagermaestro
If you increase the supply of money and not products, the cost of products goes up in the local economy.
jagermaestro
Beyonce doesn't employee the entire country, and while I'd like to think others would follow suit... Likely all she'd do is inflate prices
jagermaestro
Economics is tough. If you could just throw money at shit to make it better people would
VodkaReindeer
Then you'd have their doctors and engineers making clothes. Would they really be better off as a society?
HPCmonkey
Sounds like a pretty stupid excuse for justifying slave wages.
andaWoss
Most get put in forced extra long shifts beyond the normal hours. Pay isn't compensated etc. 1$= 180 Sri Lanka rupee. Big mac~=500rupees
lostspace27
Yup, that's right...
gablestout
It's equivalent (at article writing) to 96,600 rupees/month working 21 days/mo. The average mo salary in Sri Lanka is 90,000.
GoAheadAndDownvoteYouFlippingFascist
I don't think that's right. $1 USD = රු184.26 LKR. Avg annual labor hours in Sri Lanka is 1925 hrs. Avg annual salary is රු600,000 LKR
GoAheadAndDownvoteYouFlippingFascist
Minimum wage in Sri Lanka is රු120,000 LKR per year. These sewing operators make twice minimum wage. But that's 40% of mean, 38% of median.
gablestout
You're right. I'm wrong. I f'd up my math. At article writing, they made 19,431LKR/mo. Avg household income was 21,262LKR in 2016 1/2
gablestout
So, slightly less than the avg household income, but it doesn't include other breadwinners. The problem is the article playing the 2/?
GoAheadAndDownvoteYouFlippingFascist
Where are you seeing that number? I'm using the 2016 report from statistics.gov.lk
thor0486
Some Context: Their minimum wage is 10000 rupees/month. That's $134.31 USD. 210 hours at $.64/hour which is over 5 weeks at 40hours/week.
thor0486
so I don't see how this is double the minimum wage unless I'm missing something, or they work obscene hours and get paid by the day not hour
thor0486
I made a mistake. I used the wrong type of Rupee. 10000 Sri Lankan Rupees is equivalent to only $54 USD not $134. Changes everything.
bread1
means nothing unless these stats are applied to purchasing power. 5 cents USD back in 1930 buys you a popcorn, drink and a movie.
bread1
What does $54 USD buy them in Sri Lanka in terms of every day necessities?
thor0486
A quick google search indicates that if you wish to visit on a tight budget you can expect to pay 6000 rupees/day. Room/food/busfare. $34USD
copperrtopp
I hope you’re acknowledging that $10/hour is also not enough here
mfbtek
Well, I guess that depends on where you live and who you have to provide for.
Skins4life
Completely alone, no dependents, no pets, bare minimum lifestyle, $10 an hr is nowhere near enough, regardless of where you live.
SpazzyP
I lived very comfortably on $10-12 an hour for a few years. It really does depend on where you live. Middle America is pretty cheap.
Skins4life
I live in Kansas, middle America as you can get, when were these “few years” you speak of?
mh24
At $14.50/hr in upper Michigan, my bills are paid only if my car decides not to break down. Student loans are a killer. And I have no 1/2
divebombdan
It's never enough
xKaraKx
Either way its exploitation in the name of consumerism
Rodrodington1
Not necessarily, if 5.12 a day is enough for food, housing, and education for children then, it's a good thing. However, I doubt that it is.
GetlnLoserWereGonnaOffendEveryone
If bread costs a penny and rent is $2, .64 a day is actually really good. Context matters.
jagermaestro
It's actually not either way. Money IS relevant to the local economy. Massive increases in wages just causes inflation as supply = demand
jagermaestro
Not saying in this case it's NOT exploitation. You statement just shows no understanding of economics and money.
jagermaestro
Just so we are clear I'm a socialist. I'm just tired of the science denial on both sides when it suits the individual
Promethianfire
They are making more than most Sri Lankan women make. This puts more buying power into the hands of those women which means stronger local
Promethianfire
Economies, more local jobs, higher wages, which forces the factory to raise wages, etc... this doesn't always work. Sometimes corruption
Promethianfire
Prevents it. That could be government corruption, or could be situations where the company also owns the housing where the employees live,
Promethianfire
Make slime shop at The Company Store, Etc. Or it can be outright slave labor like we see with political prisoners in China, and sadly
grandslamdolf
it’s freaking economics! their economy has to grow! it only does that when people work and produce, at any level! Shutting everything (1)
grandslamdolf
down because they don’t make what they do here doesn’t make sense! electricians in New York make more than in Alabama because of the (2)
grandslamdolf
cost of living and size of the economy. same thing here. shutting down businesses in Alabama because they don’t make as much won’t help.
xKaraKx
Im talking about wage theft... if you make a product worth 100 dollars multiple times a day, yet get paid 67 cents. You are being
justanotherwhiteman
Couldn't that be said about shops in USA that pay minimum wage and expect long hours?
chad0692
Absolutely
ThePakistallion
No. This is untrue. She’s paying more than the current standard. If she paid a lot more she’d be upsetting the system.
parasztarcal
Oh no, people would live well, how upsetting
xKaraKx
Then the system should be upset
blaChek
Yes it can be
iamthisguy247
It’s double the minimum wage. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/beyonces-ivy-park-clothing-line-denies-sweatshop-allegations/#app
haggerton
In 2018, min wage was 10k/mo and living wage was 29k/mo. https://tradingeconomics.com/sri-lanka/living-wage-individual i.e. double is 2 low.
wolf387465
from this it seems like half: https://www.paylab.com/lk/salaryinfo. they say 30k lkr for textile industry, which is 162 usd (/20/8= cca 1)
gunnexx
Which is still incredibly low https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/country_result.jsp?country=Sri+Lanka
Genriu
"We expect only the most ethical compensation to our workers, $6.17 a day!"
mustafalakalayum
Double the minimum wage of Sri Lanka but we still don’t know they’re cost of living. Let just hope their minimum wage is liveable.
Rodrodington1
Double the minimum wage doesn't mean anything.
Nykidemus
That would be the equivalent of 15 an hour here? Does their minimum wage actually meet their cost of living? If so, that's probably ok.
MicentennialBan
But actual 15$ an hour is still terrible for anyone with a family
Nykidemus
That article looks like the min wage there is not anywhere near cost of living, similar to here. :(
haggerton
Min wage is about 1/3 of living wage. https://tradingeconomics.com/sri-lanka/living-wage-individual
Nykidemus
Gross.
abobeaver5772
It is heavily skewed thanks to the capital. Exclude it and it becomes a good wage
bean31415
And I’m sure the USA doesn’t reach this standard either.
haggerton
Assuming 40hrs/wk and 4wks/mo, min wage is 1.2k and living wage 1.66k. https://tradingeconomics.com/united-states/living-wage-individual
OffTheFrontRimAndIN
That don't mean shit. Minimum wage is not a living wages. In fact its nearly always below it. This means that everyone must work to live.
ILoveSpicyPeople
x2 US federal min. wage is $14.50/hr. That will get you homelessness here in Washington State.
mustafalakalayum
It’s double Sri Lanka minimum wage. So still not really enough context to know if it’s good or bad. Need cost of living info.
lovingspace
you'd be homeless in dc with 2500 dollars a month? Homeless????
Ozimbah
Yes - https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Washington
Ozimbah
Though they said Washington State, to which the answer is...also yes, at least for Seattle- https://www.numbeo.com/cost-of-living/in/Seattle
wiley121
Double the min wage here is $14 an hour. Which doesn't really do shit. Especially if you're working to provide for a family.
iamthisguy247
Btw not trying to defend it either way, just providing context.
BoogalooBadger
I hear you. Although it does raise the question of if the min wage in Sri Lanka can actually be lived on? There may be no laws governing it
namelessone
I actually found a screenshot from the Asia Floor Wage Alliance report! /a/bIPB1RW
namelessone
The Asian Floor Wage Alliance has a report where they compare various SE Asian countries' minimum wages to their calculation of a living 1/?
namelessone
wage. My memory is foggy and I'm on my phone but in most countries I'd say double the minimum wage would still be under a living wage. 2/?
Waldbern
Well the ratio that matters is how much they make vs how much she makes.
Shwayzie
You must also consider production cost on final bottom line. If the t-shirts were made in the US they would cost more. And ppl. Are cheap.
JHawke
As millions of Americans know, that really doesn't say anything at all. It might be absolutely fantastic, or complete shit.
anonnona887
yeah i forgot what post but I know that $50-500 can pay/feed a family or their college semester if ppl ever wanted to donate to ppl.
JHawke
I'm entirely sure the 2 bucks of that that survives can do so. But I'd rather give myself a decent meal than pay some rich king 48-498
haggerton
Min wage is about 1/3 of living wage. https://tradingeconomics.com/sri-lanka/living-wage-individual