Date of publication: July 25, 2007
Source: La Jornada (Mexico)
Author: Jesús Ramírez Cuevas
Excerpt from article:
The baggers, necessary children for the support of thousands of families
In the city of Mexico there are about 9 thousand minors that work as baggers/packers in supermarket stores. Of them, two thirds do it in establishments like that of the Wal-Mart chain. The majority come from poor families and contribute to the income of the home. They lack wage, contract and benefits, and only receive gratuities/tips from clients. The majority study and the work affects their scholastic performance. Although authorities and companies ‘have nothing to do with’ the situation, the International Labor Organization considers it an example of child exploitation. An investigation tackles its labor and familiar conditions, as well as the illegal enterprise practices.
Javier is 14 years old, studies 9th grade in high school, but for 12 months he has been working as a bagger in the Wal-Mart store in Plaza Oriente, by Iztapalapa. His father does not live in his house and his mother lost her job, so like his older brother, he studies and works to maintain their home.
His it is not a very common case. Javier is granted a scholarship for his good qualifications and practices Tae Kwon Do, which is why he is occupied all day. In the morning he goes to school, leaves, returns to the house to change and to put on his work uniform. From two to five in the afternoon he strives in the store, and then goes to train karate. After having supper, he does his homework until well into the night....