Activity
1. Group students into four and
give each group a copy of Handout 1, which is divided
into quarters. Each student introduces the study they
will read
about and gives background information on the research conducted and interviews.
Each portion of the handout has information about one of the four factories
featured.
2.
The student’s task is to read all the information
and write a conclusion report on facts that have been
reported by the investigative committee.
3.
Before the report can be written, students will be responsible
for
their
individual research. There are a total of four factories so each student
is looking at a different factory. The student will first list any information
about working conditions. Collected data will include:
-
worker profile
- wage
and time issues
- health
and safety Issues
- chemicals
- safety
equipment
- ventilation
concerns
- accidents
- other
safety concerns
- fines
and firing reasons
- child
labor presence
- union
and code violations
4.
In addition, students must have an understanding of how
multinationals sub-contract to meet quotas and any codes
or regulations
existing in
China.
5.
When students are done with their individual readings
have them discuss and share information with their group.
6.
As a group they will compile a list of “Actions
to Be Taken” that
will go into their conclusions in which they will clearly state
needed changes in order to insure worker’s rights.
As part of their Actions List they must decide how
long
the company has to comply with the requests.
7.
In their Conclusions Report they must introduce the problem,
how it manifests itself (quotas), and
then list the actions to be taken.
8.
When done, show Overhead 1 of the real Actions List in
the report.
Discuss if any of theirs were
different or if they didn’t have any that
the report had.
9.
End the lesson by having students write an individual
essay addressing the following statement and
question:
- Factories
in China are only one example of working conditions of
a country that produces merchandise for America and wealthier
nations.
- Why
are multinationals (many of them American owned)
going to other nations for labor and production?
- Should
they be held responsible for the welfare of
their workers? Explain.
Closure
10.
End the lesson by posing the following question:
- If
workers’ health
are being compromised by industry, how about the communities
where the factories are located?
Homework
Final
essay.
|
