Corporate responsibility and the US–Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA): Are they compatible?

Author: Quinteros, Carolina

Source: Development in Practice, Volume 15, Numbers 3-4, June 2005 , pp. 572-583(12)

Publisher: Routledge, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

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Abstract:

The global garment-manufacturing industry will confront significant changes from 2005, when the system of quotas established under the Multi-Fibre Arrangement comes to an end. These changes pose serious threats to jobs in the Central American assembly plants, or maquila industry. One possibility, however, is that ‘politically correct' consumption could provide a niche market for firms that are committed to corporate social responsibility and the respect for human rights, and that this might even be a way to improve working conditions in the region. In this sense, notwithstanding the grave risks it represents for the very poorest, the market could serve to bring about changes favourable to working people.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/09614520500075722

Affiliations: 1: Pasaje Las Teordenias, 266, Colonia la Cirra IV, San Salvador, El Salvador

Publication date: 2005-06-01

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