Samsung suspends ties with Chinese supplier over child labour

Samsung says it has suspended business ties with a Chinese supplier that allegedly hired children.   The South Korean company said in its blog Monday that it had found possible evidence of child labour and illegal hiring at Dongguan Shinyang Electronics Co.   Samsung said last week it would urgently look at the Chinese supplier following a New York-based watchdog’s report that it hired children.   China Labor Watch said children worked at Shinyang for three to six months to meet production targets during a period of high demand. The report came after Samsung said its audit found no child labour at hundreds of Chinese suppliers.   Samsung said Chinese authorities are investigating the case and if the investigation finds child labour, Samsung will permanently stop its business with Shinyang.   You can read the full statement from the company here**.** In it Samsung says “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.”  

“For Dongguan Shinyang Electronics, Samsung has conducted audits on three occasions since 2013, with the latest one ending on June 25, 2014. No cases of child labor were found during these audits,” the statement added.

  With inputs from Associated Press