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Based on field research conducted in Hong Kong, China and Cambodia, this paper reports on workers’ conditions in garment factories, the hidden costs for women workers, and the purchasing practices in the industry.

The authors argue that the garment industry is a labour-intensive, low-tech industry that is highly manipulated by trade agreements in which developed countries almost always have the upper hand. They point out that in Hong Kong, there is no legal protection on maximum working hours and no minimum wage. Chinese labour law is weak on various labour standards and implementation methods. In Cambodia, violations of wage standards, forced overtime and denial of sick leaves are common.

Recommendations include:

• companies should ensure that they find ways to make respect for workers’ rights integral to the company’s vision
• business associations and manufacturers’ organisations should promote socially responsible practices such as better Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) implementation to cover purchasing procedures
• the Hong Kong government should extend its role in facilitating regional trade to cover social and labour rights concerns for sustainable social development in the region and the world.

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