Based in New York, China Labor Watch undertook investigation at around eight Samsung factories in China to see their workplace conditions. The reports indicate that some employees worked at the factories for more than 100 hours per month of overtime and that many children were also intentionally employed. The investigation by China Labor Watch involved six Samsung-owned plants and two suppliers. It showed that these factories did not follow safety measures including offering protective clothing to workers. Samsung was also accused of barring workers from sitting during their shifts. The group also said it had documented instances of physical and verbal abuse. Samsung reacted quickly to the allegations, said that poor working conditions may be due to production demands. The Korean manufacturer said that it would evaluate the allegations as soon. But it did deny allegations of child labor, saying the firm does not hire underage workers at all. The report also indicate that although Samsung suppliers Tianjin Intops Co. and Tianjin Chaarmtech Electronics Co. fulfill minimum wage laws- workers were paid the base monthly salary of 1,310 renminbi or $206. And as the pay was low, many workers had to work overtime. Hiring children under 16 is illegal in China. The labor right group also said that Samsung or its suppliers were aware of the fact that Chinese underage youths were using forged identity cards to get jobs, but it still employed them. Samsung also didn’t provide a way for workers to lodge complaints. All eight plants in China that were investigated included those that produce cellphones, media players, DVD players, TV components, mobile displays, printers, home appliances, and cellphone casings for Samsung. The firm employs more than 24,000 workers all together. Investigators of the group went inside the factories undercover or interviewed workers outside the factories. Samsung vowed to end contracts in case they found any labor abuses or violations of its policies. But the Korean manufacture denied the presence of child workers under 16 at HEG Electronics. Now in case of all instances are found against Samsung, the smartphone giant will have another case to worry about in the court.
