From severe to routine labour exploitation: The case of migrant workers in the UK food industry

an article by Jon Davies (The University of Manchester, UK) pubvlished in Criminology & Criminal Justice  Volume 19 Issue 3 (July 2019)

Abstract

The issue of exploitative labour practices against migrant workers has been well established in previous work. Yet most research and policy focus on severe forms of exploitation, including types of ‘modern slavery’ such as human trafficking and forced labour. Research has paid less attention to ‘routine’ labour abuses that are less extreme than severe exploitation, but which are still exploitative or harmful.

This article argues that a stronger emphasis is needed on routine labour exploitation, which risks being overlooked when contrasted with severe exploitation. Drawing on a qualitative study of migrant labour in the UK food industry, the article demonstrates that workers experience a range of mistreatment in the workplace, which is unlikely to fall within the scope of severe exploitation and remit of ‘criminal justice’ interventions.

In order to achieve full ‘labour justice’, more consistent attention is needed on these routine and banal practices, not just the most brutal.

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Navigating the difficult: teaching for sustainability, activism, and the recognition of modern slavery

an article by Arlene Plevin (Olympic College, Bremerton, WA, USA) published in Interdisciplinary Environmental Review Volume 18 Number 3/4 (2017)

Abstract

As a goal, sustainability can sometimes be aligned with economic models and seldom considered in terms of all of its components, including modern slavery.

This paper argues that just and flourishing sustainability, that which is for the good of all, incorporates knowledge of modern slavery, the often invisible and unacknowledged abuse of people involved in the production of products and services. The paper encourages teachers to consider the reality of modern slavery and to teach for that, noting that it is an ethical and moral position and essential to just sustainability.

Examining some of the challenges of teaching for modern slavery, the paper works with concepts of activism and hope and offers examples of classroom approaches that can enable students to consider and work with modern slavery on behalf of those who are enslaved.

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