Export processing zones in the Philippines – SMS-ing against exploitation

Whilst unquestionably constituting an important source of employment, these EPZs fuelling international trade and the profits of the world’s leading electronics and clothing brands, are characterised by their dismal working conditions. Conditions that are worsening as a result of the race to the bottom in labour standards following the deregulation of the global market.

Forced overtime, non-payment of social security contributions, poor working conditions, sexual harassment and union bashing …
This latest Trade Union World Briefing, supported by first hand accounts and new figures, reports on the sordid realities of the exploitation suffered by the workers, mostly women, in the EPZs of the Philippines.

Faced with the employers’ systematic breaches of both international standards and national labour laws, the TUCP, is fighting to develop new organising strategies. Targeting young workers, it is playing the creativity card to counter employer hostility, for example by using text messages as a campaign tool.

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