ABSTRACT
The apparel industry is one of the world's largest employers with over eight million workers globally. It is often recognised as a stepping-stone to industrial-isation as garments may initially be produced in the home and then, with the influx of minimal capital, produced in factories. Apparel production is labour-intensive, requiring few skills, and those that are required can be learned on the job. As global sourcing in the apparel sector has evolved, so has the complexity of the supply chain. Apparel manufacturing is a two-step process involving the pre-assembly of garments and garment assembly. Interviews with multinational enterprises (MNEs) agents indicate that some of the MNEs see their role as a 'policeman of last resort', compensating for institutional weakness in the apparel manufacturing countries. It is also worth noting that the demographic make-up of workers in the apparel industry may have some bearing on the formation of unions.
