Outsourcing and labour rights violations, constant work instability, unsafe practices, exposure to toxic materials and work related illnesses, and sexual harassment revealed by yearly report on labour conditions in Mexico.
Incident Tag: Injuries & Diseases
Adidas, Real Winner of the 2008 Olympics (3)
Terrible working conditions in factory (~3,000 workers) producing balls and sportswear; during peak season (October to February) workers don’t even have one day off a month; very low wages; factory withholds a month’s wage; workers experience ‘unimaginable pain’ on their hands from chemicals used; gloves provided only when factory is audited; factory trains workers to deceive clients.
Adidas, Real Winner of the 2008 Olympics (2)
Poor conditions in factory (~3,500 workers) producing sport accessories: low wages (local minimum wage 770 RMB/Month); frequently occurring accidents; 11 hours/day shifts (13,5 hours in factory), 6 days/week; compulsory overtime; hat production workers may stay at factory 16 hours.
The Long March: Survey and Case Studies of Work Injuries
Two cases of Cadmium intoxication and two of Cadmium poisoning found among 177 workers manufacturing primary and rechargeable batteries. At least 3 young female workers also died from kidney-related diseases.
Coal mine cable car plunges, killing 20
20 workers killed and 14 injured after elevator cable snaps. A notice of suspension had previously been issued to Qusheng Coalmine. A villager around the coalmine alleges that though the coalmine did not operate during the day, it still did secretly at night.
34 workers poisoned by alkane used for wiping cell-phone screens; some are too ill to take care of themselves.
34 workers poisoned by alkane used for wiping cell-phone screens at factory.
Blood & Exhaustion Behind Bargain: Toys Made in China for Wal-Mart and Dollar General
Workers forced to work 15 to 19.5 hours a day, seven days/week making plastic toys for 43 cents an hour. Repetitive work – one operation every three seconds – leaves them with blistered and bleeding hands and fingers.
Samsung’s Supplier Factory Exploiting Child Labor
Violations at factory (2.000 employees) producing mobile phones, mp3s, DVDs, etc:Research indicates student workers amount to 80% of the factory workforce; approximately 50-100 children working; youngest worker spotted was 14 years old; low wages for children, 70% less than formal employees; discrimination based on sex and age; 11 hours daily work shifts (including 3-5 hours of forced overtime).
Beyond Foxconn:Deplorable Working Conditions Characterize Apple’s Entire Supply Chain (Pegatron)
Labor violations at factory (~5,000 workers) producing parts for consumer electronics: age discrimination upon hiring (16 – 35 years old); use of chlid labor (as low as 16); 12 hour daily shifts; workers have one day off/month during off season; during peak season they have 1 day off every two months (143 – 154 hours monthly overtime); 24 hour shift when workers switch from morning to evening shift; local minimum wage pay; overtime required to cover living costs; overall average wage 3,000 RMB (≈$476); verbally abusive managers; poor air quality and toxic chemical exposure; reported injury burns.
61 Workers Injured in Explosion at Shanghai Apple Supplier
Blast occurs at computer accessory factory producing metal cases for iPad 2; 61 workers injured.