...workers in developing countries are increasingly objecting to the harsh conditions experienced. Although it was expected that labour standards would increase in time, improvements have rarely been realized...

Many Northern corporations have closed their production capacities in their home countries, dramatically reducing production costs by subcontracting (for instance, by having their subsidiaries open manufacturing factories in developing countries), resulting in mass unemployment in their countries of origin. This has given rise to complaints from workers and their representatives in developed countries that workers from developing countries are taking their jobs. At the same time, however, workers in developing countries are increasingly objecting to the harsh conditions experienced. Although it was expected that labour standards would increase in time, improvements have rarely been realized due to a combination of local and international factors (Chang and Wong 2005, 149).

Fair Trade, Corporate Accountability and Beyond MacDonald & Marshal