I agree that we need to sparate the child labor violations from the adult wage problems for the sake of discussion.
But what about machines? I have to assume they would be gas powered. Or diesel. At the cost of cas per callon, they get 10 laborers that will work all day. Not to mention the initial investment for the machines.
I disagree that if they rais wages, they would need to let other people goto compensate. I think the major consideration is protecting the land owners profit margin. I bet that they pay a handsom amount to police et al to look the other way on this. If they were less greedy, they could improve wages and conditions and still be profitable. Maybe not at the same level.
I have a hard time believeing that the margins are so thin that they couldn't go from 10 pesos to 20 a day.
I mentioned that the sugar industry generates 75 million dollars a year. That is the figure thrown out on Primer Impacto. I didn't question it.
THey also mentioned that sugar production is basically controlled by 2 of the wealthiest Dominican families. I can only assume that they are well connected and are very much in control of legislation, police rule and the ever important
PR machine.