A Decent Factory?

Part of the Series: Essentials of Marketing Collection

With the fastest growing economy in the history of the world, China is the workshop of globalisation. But are workers paying the price for a manufacturing revolution? This unique fly-on-the-wall documentary uncovers the hard realities of working conditions in a Chinese factory.

The film focuses on a German-owned company in Shenzhen, China, which makes the chargers for Nokia's mobile phones. Nokia sends in a two-woman team to carry out an "ethical audit" on its working practices.

The inspection reveals people are working 12 hour shifts, also problems of noise, smells and hazardous chemicals stored near drinking cups. Worst of all, the factory is ignoring local laws on minimum wages. Some workers are being paid the equivalent of PS14 pounds a month.

Workers live eight people per room in a huge dormitory near the factory. Living conditions are basic. State-controlled birth control is compulsory. Workers speak candidly about their working life. Hours are long and tiring. There are bullying supervisors and the food is bad.