Does slavery still exist in the US and UK?

[Michelle*s_Farm]

On Modern Slavery

Bonded labour is a wide-spread problem today in many countries including the US and the UK. It is shameful and I hope all agree on the BBMB that it must stop. I suppose substantive debate emerges on how this is done without violating other aspects of human rights. However I think in most cases the choice is simple -- "No Slavery, No Exceptions". Sign the pledge now (http://www.antislavery.org/english/campaigns/no_slavery_no_exceptions/sign_the_pledge.aspx).

For a recent example of modern slavery in Florida see below
(courtesy of Anti-Slavery International):

Ricardo’s story

Ricardo was made to live in the back of a locked removal van and forced to work on a farm picking tomatoes in Florida. He was forced into debt as his ‘employer’ charged punitive costs for food, rent etc. After more than a year he managed to escape through the ventilation hatch of the truck.
Florida tomatoes are bought by restaurant and fast-food chains. Anti-Slavery International supported the Coalition of Immokalee Workers’ campaign, which succeeded in Burger King signing an agreement with them to ensure workers’ rights are respected. The agreement includes a zero-tolerance guideline for suppliers regarding certain unlawful activities such as forced labour.

Link to recent BBC Article on subject (http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8325158.stm)

[Echewta]

Besides those who practice it, who would actually support it? Its the against the law already. What would be an exception that would be legal?

[Michelle*s_Farm]

Besides those who practice it, who would actually support it? Its the against the law already. What would be an exception that would be legal?

i am no expert on the matter but it is not like your average person supports modern slavery per se but rather do nothing about it (turn a blind eye so to speak). based on the BBC article in my post it appears that there are not laws in place to protect migrant workers from modern slavery. in particular the following practices:

migrant workers are being forced to accept low wages and long working hours because of intimidation and threats from their employers.

They cite cases of domestic workers who have their passports taken and are not allowed to leave the homes of the families they work for.

Source: http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/8325158.stm

one way to think about the problem is to imagine undergound sex trade practices that are also global in reach. there was a fictional film on the subject with kevin kline -- see below:

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0399095/

in China there are examples of Chinese governmental officials getting paid to help smuggle chinese people into the US to then be bonded laborers. there are few laws or officials dealing with this problem (granted it must be difficult for a variety of reasons). still these people need protection. important topic worth researching i think.