Inadequate working conditions

Without strong trade union organization and collective bargaining procedures, employers can lay down unfavourable working conditions for their workers. The worker's interests are sacrificed to the objective of speeding up the development of the national economy. The situation is perpetuated so long as there is a supply of cheap labour unprotected by effective unions. Those most often victimized are women and children, ethnic minorities and the handicapped.

In spite of improvements introduced through protective social legislation, as well as through humanitarian policies adopted by some employers, inhumane working conditions can still found in most countries, particularly in industrializing areas where population density is high or rural conditions poor.