The International Law Review Association: Online Forum
Abstract
The rise of fast fashion, a term used to characterize inexpensive clothing produced rapidly by mass-market retailers in response to the latest trends, has permeated the modern-day ready-made garment industry. As production times have sped up and prices have gone down, this phenomenon has not only changed the way that consumers shop but also exacerbated unsafe labor practices in some countries. Low wages and long hours, coupled with a lack of regulatory oversight, have subjected workers in this industry to unimaginable working conditions while simultaneously allowing some of the largest fashion retailers to profit off low-cost labor and supply chain loopholes. This note examines the stark differences that exist between labor standards and regulations specifically in Bangladesh and the United States, as well as the implications they have on worker safety and wellbeing. Further, this note discusses proposals and improvements each country has made to workplace safety and the progress still to be made.
Recommended Citation
Sydney Smalling,
Case Note,
The Rise of Fast Fashion and The Lack of Protections in the Garment Worker Industry,
ILRA Student Forum
(2022)
