As Western companies overwhelmingly turn to low-wage countries far away from corporate headquarters to produce cheap apparel, electronics and other goods, factory inspections have become a vital link in the supply chain of overseas production. An extensive examination by The New York Times reveals how the inspection system intended to protect workers and ensure manufacturing quality is riddled with flaws...Mr. van Heerden [of Fair Labor Association] said, “You can never visit facilities often enough to make sure they stay compliant — you’ll never have enough inspectors to do that. What really keeps factories compliant is when workers have a voice and they can speak out when something isn’t right.” [refers to Walmart, Apple, Gap, Target, Nike, Levi Strauss, Patagonia, Quaker Pet Group, Jiutai, Ease Clever, NTD Apparel, SGS, Verite]