Shoppers' habits not changed by garment plant fire

[Omaha Steve]

http://apnews.excite.com/article/20121130/DA2SDEKG0.html

By SCOTT MAYEROWITZ

NEW YORK (AP) - Before purchasing a shirt, shoppers will run their hands over the fabric, look at the price tag and wonder how it will hold up in the washing machine. Some might even ask if it makes them look fat.

The one detail, however, that is rarely considered: What are the conditions like for the workers making the shirt?


In this Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, file photo, two Black Friday shoppers walk past a large Christmas Tree at Union Square in San Francisco. A horrific fire that killed 112 people, Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012, at a Bangladesh garment factory owned by Tazreen Fashions Ltd has put the spotlight back on those factory workers and their sometimes treacherous work environment. The factory made clothing for several retailers around the globe including Wal-Mart, Sears and The Walt Disney Co. The companies said they didn't know the vendors were using the factory and according to a report by the Associated Press, holiday shoppers have also buffered themselves from the tragedy. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)


A horrific fire that raced through a Bangladesh garment factory Saturday, killing 112 people, has put the spotlight - at least temporarily - back on those workers and their sometimes treacherous work environment.

The factory, owned by Tazreen Fashions Ltd., made clothing for several retailers around the globe including Wal-Mart, Sears and The Walt Disney Co. (DIS) All three companies have distanced themselves from responsibility for the incident, saying they didn't know that their subcontractors were using the factory.

FULL story at link.

[smirkymonkey]

1. Disgusting. What a sick consumerist society we have become.

Honestly, I could care less about "bargains" or "stuff". I only shop when I abosolutely need something. It's not a hobby or form of entertainment to me.

I really don't get people who shop for the sake of shopping. What the f**K do you need that is worth fueling the sick greed of these mega-corporations?