How do Migrant Workers Respond to Labour Abuses in “Local Sweatshops”?

Abstract

This article aims to provide empirical evidence on understanding how migrant workers' responses to labour exploitation in low-wage economies are articulated. Inspired by the low levels of conflict among workers in small urban sweatshops in Italy and Argentina, we ask ourselves what contextual and subjective factors prevent workers from organising collectively. Here we argue that in order to understand the nature of their responses, it is necessary to consider not only the organisation of the labour process, but also the class divisions within migrant communities. We also bring in briefly the role of the state in (mis)regulating migrant labour exploitation. We conclude by showing that workers' responses are highly individualised and that community leaders with economic interests in sweatshop economies may play a role in securing their continuation by channelling the workers' responses towards the defence of the "ethnic economy".

Labor exportation, transnational production politics, and the formation of exploitation relationships—a case study of Chinese migrant workers in Japan

“…Existing studies 10 mainly explain the formation of mechanisms of exploitation in the context of transnational labor mobility from the following four aspects: state systems, labor markets, labor intermediaries, and labor unions. The first starting point is the labor importation system in developed countries or regions, particularly the impact of the system on the lack of civil rights of migrant workers-for example, the restriction on migrant workers in terms of duration of stay in foreign countries and free choice of career, and the role of uncertainty in employment contract extension in reinforcing their weak position in workplace negotiation and in hindering their organization and resistance, further enhancing employers' control over the labor process (Bressán and Arcos, 2017;Kamibayashi, 2012;Lan, 2011: 73-76). The second starting point is the labor market.…”

“…The second starting point is the labor market. Migrant workers mainly work in informal and unstable sectors and the risk of losing their job and source of livelihood makes them vulnerable to exploitation; moreover, in low-paying industries, employers tend to exploit employees to generate more profits (Bressán and Arcos, 2017;Datta et al, 2007;May et al, 2007). The third starting point is labor intermediaries.…”

Capitalist crisis and the geography of the clothing industry

“…Since the 1970s, companies have massively shut down their factories and adopted subcontracting arrangements, either abroad or locally. The employment of migrant labour in 'local sweatshops' (Montero Bressán and Arcos, 2017) became widespread across many cities in core economies, providing brands and retailers with flexibility and a way to reduce labour costs (see e.g., Mitter 1985, Rainnie 1984and Morokvasic 1987 for London; Green 1997 for New York and Paris; and Bonacich and Appelbaum 2000 for Los Angeles). However, due to their limited scoperesulting from the fact that they were illegalthese economies could not offer a way out of the crisis.…”