Hyundai is accused of using child labour at a subsidiary
An Alabama factory that produces parts is being investigated for child labour
There has been evidence that underage labourers, in some cases as young as 12, worked at a metal stamping facility run by Hyundai’s SMART Alabama LLC. The plant provides parts for cars and SUVs manufactured in Montgomery, its primary assembly facility in the US.
Hyundai claims that child labour is not acceptable. Following the brief abduction of a Guatemalan immigrant kid from her family’s residence in Alabama in February, the public became aware of the presence of underage workers at the Hyundai-owned supplier.
One of the most influential and succesful automakers in the world may experience reaction from consumers, regulators and the public if it is discovered that child labour is being used in Hyundai’s US supply chain. Hyundai states under a ‘human rights policy’ that it bans child labour across its entire workforce, including suppliers.
The business has announced plans to grow in the US with over $5 billion in investments planned, including the construction of a new electric vehicle manufacturing plant close to Savannah, Georgia.
Former US assistant secretary of labour for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration said that consumers should be horrified.
Minors under the age of 18 are prohibited from working in metal stamping and pressing businesses like SMART under Alabama and federal law because of the risk posed by their proximity to potentially hazardous machinery. Additionally, children in Alabama who are under the age of 17 must be enrolled in school.
