US-based China Labor Watch has released an investigative report into HEG Electronics (Huizhou), which produces mobile phones and audio-visual equipment for Samsung. It carried out three investigations during June and July 2012, noting that child labour appears to be a common practice in the factory. Seven children under the age of 16 were discovered working in one department, according to the report. CLW also said the rights of children and students are not properly protected, with additional concerns expressed about working hours, employment contracts and working conditions.
Samsung has responded by sending a team of in-house inspectors to the HEG facility in Huizhou. It also notes that the issues reported by CLW weren’t obvious when it conducted its own on-site inspections earlier this year. The company joined the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition (EICC) in 2007 and established a Board of Compliance for Chinese business partners last year.
[Full CLW report (pdf)]