ABSTRACT
This chapter explores the evolving strategies of the Chilean cosmetics industry to cope with the new competitive environment and the effect these strategies have had on the industry's workers. The cosmetics industry is a fast-moving, consumer-goods industry that includes skin care, hair care, fragrance, makeup and personal hygiene products. The Chilean cosmetics industry is composed of approximately 50 companies engaged in production and distribution. The Chilean cosmetics industry has grown substantially during the 1990s, averaging 8 percent real growth in the second half of the decade. Cosmetics production follows the "small batch" production model, meaning the factory is "organized as a succession of workshops dedicated to the production of small batches of standardized or semi-standardized items." factories. Chilean cosmetics firms typically operate 48 hours a week, in accordance with the normal workweek, with some overtime when preparing for the peak holiday season, but with a great deal of downtime otherwise.
