This article talks about Apple’s iPod manufacturing in China.
Trade unions take issue with “iPod City” report – Engadget

This raises several conditions in my mind:

1) What are the working conditions like for the people that produce and deliver the items we use everyday?

2) What responsibility should we accept for those working conditions?   Is the worker completely responsible for the working conditions he will accept?  Or should the buyer have share some responsibility as well?

3) Even if the working conditions are unacceptable by our standards, are they an improvement?  And if it is an improvement, will it continue to improve?

As a consumer, we look at only price vs. value.  But as a citizen, we must look at the entire package.  Not only for working conditions, but also in regards to the environment, and many other issues.  I believe there is a lot of value in “think global, act local”.