Post by : Meena Ariff

A labour rights group has raised serious concerns about worker treatment at a Chinese factory producing the popular Labubu dolls. The U.S.-based organisation, China Labor Watch (CLW), reported that employees at Shunjia Toys Co Ltd, a supplier for Pop Mart, faced excessive overtime, were asked to sign incomplete or blank contracts, and were not given paid leave.

Labubu dolls, known for their "blind box" concept where buyers cannot see the toy inside until opened, have gained massive popularity worldwide. Pop Mart, the Beijing-based toy retailer behind Labubu, confirmed it is investigating the allegations. The company stated it values the report's findings and would require any suppliers found in violation of labour standards to make corrections.

Pop Mart added that it regularly audits its suppliers, including yearly inspections by independent, internationally recognised auditors.

CLW’s investigation focused on Shunjia Toys Co Ltd, located in Guangdong province, southern China. The organisation interviewed 51 factory employees to examine hiring practices, contracts, and working conditions. The factory is described as a core production facility for Pop Mart, employing over 4,500 workers.

The report highlighted several labour issues, including illegal overtime, unclear contract terms, and insufficient safety training. While no child labour was found, 16-year-old employees were subjected to the same conditions as adults without the special protections required by Chinese law.

CLW called on Pop Mart to act immediately, urging the company to compensate affected workers and ensure its production practices meet both Chinese labour laws and internationally recognised standards. The organisation noted that labour conditions in factories like Shunjia are heavily influenced by the sourcing and scheduling practices of the brands they supply.

Labubu dolls, featuring elf-like characters with jagged teeth, have become a global sensation. The craze has led to long queues in stores, with celebrity endorsements from figures such as Kim Kardashian and Lisa from K-pop group Blackpink helping Pop Mart expand its international presence.

#Global News #Business News #World News #China