After conducting an investigation into China-based supplier Shinyang Electronics following accusations of child labor, Samsung has decided to suspend its business with the supplier. According to a post on the Samsung Tomorrow blog, evidence of child labor was found at the factory, for which Samsung has a zero-tolerance policy.
Samsung had already conducted three audits at Shinyang Electronics since 2013, but the most recent was the first to result in any evidence the supplier breaking the law. The illegal hiring process in question reportedly took place on June 29th, and if Samsung can verify the claims, it will cut off all business with the supplier.
In its latest Sustainability Report, Samsung opened up about the multitude of labor violations that it had discovered while monitoring its factories around the world, from dangerous conditions to fixed wages despite overtime work. Most of the work has been reparative up until now, but Samsung will take a hardline stance against any instance of child labor, even if it means losing business from a large supplier.
“If the investigations conclude that the supplier indeed hired children illegally, Samsung will permanently halt business with the supplier in accordance with its zero tolerance policy on child labor. Furthermore, Samsung will strengthen its hiring process not only at its production facilities but also at its suppliers to prevent such case from reoccurring.”
