Samsung has failed to identify "any instance of child labor" at its suppliers' factories after
finishing its audit of around 105 suppliers that produce components purely for Samsung products. The chaebol undertook the audit in response to a China Labor Watch report
that made accusations of poor working conditions and child labor.
Although the company's own auditors found no child labor, they confirmed
the reports of poor working conditions. Samsung says it's taking steps
to improve the situation as well as installing additional safeguards to
prevent underage workers being employed.
It's difficult to ascertain exactly where the suppliers were going
wrong, with Samsung only mentioning illegally excessive overtime, labor
contract infractions, and employees being fined for lateness or
absences. However, Samsung's commitment to improve the malpractices
gives a clue as to the full extent of the situation:
- Hiring discrimination will "continue to be prohibited"
- The fines system has been abolished
- Adequate safety equipment and training must be provided
- First aid kits must be installed across dorms and factories
- "Additional training for managers on sexual harassment and physical and verbal abuse" is recommended
In addition to the above steps, Samsung says it will develop a
"longer term" plan to resolve overtime issues, including demanding that
temporary employees work no more than 30 percent of full-time employees'
hours. As announced during its audit of the HEG Electronics factory accused of hiring underage employees,
Samsung will now finish its audit with a "documentation only" check of
factories that produce products for multiple companies by the end of the
year. It adds that from 2013 it will "ensure the independence of
audits" by hiring third-party auditors to monitor working conditions at
its suppliers.
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