Anger Rolls Across Pakistani City in Aftermath of Factory Fire
After a factory fire in Pakistan that killed 289 people, questions about the enforcement of regulations have risen. Many of the workers, who were producing clothing, could have gotten out through a door after the boiler exploded if it wasn't locked. Survivors say that managers refused to let them leave, instead having them try to save the jeans they were making. About 600 workers were in the factory, with only one exit to leave from. While Pakistani law provides safety and health violations, there is little enforcement and employers are able to circumvent the laws. Workers say that they worked for twelve hours at a time, and were paid about a third of the minimum wage, around $58 a month. Authorities are looking for the factory owners, who may face charges.
See "Anger Rolls Across Pakistani City in Aftermath of Factory Fire", Declan Walsh, The New York Times, September 13, 2012