Child labor has been a topic of utmost concern for decades and has had detrimental effects on the mental and physical well-being of children. Recently, a well-known Korean car manufacturing company known as “Hyundai” has been involved in deploying child labor at its flagship factory located in Montgomery, AL. Reuters investigated the whole case and confirmed the news of employment as young as 12 years old at the factory. The factory, also known as “Metal Stamping Plant SMART LLC,” excels in preparing car parts for Hyundai’s SUVs and other car models.
After hearing the claims of employing a child workforce at the factory, Hyundai hasn’t yet responded specifically to the suits, although Reuters requested the company to talk about the concerned issue. However, in a general conversation, Hyundai stated, “The company does not tolerate illegal employment practices at any Hyundai entity. We have policies and procedures in place that require compliance with all local, state, and federal laws. ” Likewise, SMART has not responded to these specific accusations and instead stated,
“We follow all state and federal law and deny any allegation that knowingly employed by anyone who is ineligible for employment.” Furthermore, it has been reported by Reuters that as of now, they don’t know about the number of children employed by Hyundai at their factory. Also, no information about their wages has been disclosed yet. Reports are circulating that most of the young children working there are immigrants and haven’t even gone to school. They are working here to make both ends meet and companies like Hyundai are definitely making use of their compulsiveness.
While talking to Reuters, David Michaels, who is a former assistant secretary of labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, or OSHA, said, “Consumers should be outraged. They should know that these cars are being built, at least in part, by workers who are children and need to be in school rather than risking life and limb because their families are desperate for income.”
Coupled with that, no information has been revealed yet as to which government entity will take the responsibility for accountability of Hyundai against the child labor act. While Hyundai is busy exploring new heights and has recently announced that it is going to expand its operations in the US. Not only this, the company has also been revealing a new and contemporary model for the European market as well.
Above all, the authorities should investigate this matter with honesty, and if the claims are correct and proven by facts, then Hyundai should be held responsible for breaching the laws on child labor.