Samsung suspends Chinese supplier due to child labor

Last week, a watchdog from New York revealed a report, from which evidence appeared concerning Samsung’s supplier’s alleged child laboring. Following the report, the tech giant

promised to look urgently into the matter.

Now, a week later, Samsung stated that it has found the supplier, Dongguan Shinyang Electronics Co., to have illegally labored children, and thus is suspending all business ties with them.

Samsung's partial official statement: 

Following the investigation, Samsung decided to temporarily suspend business with the factory in question as it found evidences of suspected child labor at the worksite. The decision was made in accordance with Samsung's zero tolerance policy on child labor.

It is unfortunate that the allegation surfaced despite Samsung’s efforts to prevent child labor at its suppliers. As part of its pledge against child labor, Samsung routinely conducts inspections to monitor its suppliers in China to ensure they follow the commitment, and has provided necessary support.

According to China Labor Watch, the Chinese supplier made many abuses of the minors working for it, such as paying letting them work for 3-6 months in a high-demand state, no safety training, no insurance for temporary workers, no overtime wages, and more.

Samsung said that the Chinese authorities are looking into the matter, and if Dongguan is found guilty Samsung will permanently halt all business with them, in accordance to its “zero tolerance policy” concerning child labor.

For Samsung's full statement, click here.