USA: Hyundai & Kia suppliers found hiring child labour

As per the law, a person needs to be at least 16 to work in a factory. It bans anyone under 18 from working in any kind of "hazardous occupation".

A media report claims that multiple suppliers of Hyundai & Kia have been using child labour.

The news first broke out in July this year, when SMART, Alabama - a Hyundai supplier had been hiring employees as young as 12 years of age. Then a month later, another supplier, SL Alabama LLC, was accused of using child labour by the US Department of Labour. Now, fresh reports state that at least 6 suppliers are being investigated by State & Federal agencies for using child labour. Among them are Hwashin America Corp, which has been accused of hiring a 14-year-old girl and another being Ajin Industrial Co., which according to former employees, had at least 10 minors. Both Ajin & Hwashin claim that they haven't hired any minors, but Ajin has said that it will cooperate fully with the investigations.

Both Hyundai & Kia came out with statements strongly condemning the practice of child labour. The companies stated that any unlawful or unethical practices internally or within their business partners & suppliers would not be tolerated. Hyundai even mentioned severing ties with SMART & SL, however, changed its mind claiming both suppliers have taken "corrective actions".

It has been reported that SL and the staffing agency have been charged a fine amounting to US$36,000. The supplier is said to have fired the staffing agency & also the now-former President of the plant. This comes after SL Alabama LLC was charged with violating child labour law after the DOL found 7 workers, aged between 13 and 16, on the factory floor.

As per the law, a person needs to be at least 16 to work in a factory. It bans anyone under 18 from working in any kind of "hazardous occupation".

Source: Reuters