CHILD LABOUR IN AMAZON’S SUPPLY CHAIN
This summer (2019), leaked documents revealed that
factories in China were breaking the law by recruiting
young teenagers to work nights so they could keep up
with the demand for Amazon Echos, Dots and Kindles.
The Guardian reported how teachers were paid to
accompany the pupils and encourage them to work
overtime, which is illegal in China.
They quoted an interview with a 17-year-old studying
computing. She was working 60 hours a week sticking a
protective film on 3000 Echos a day. When she said she
didn’t want to do overtime because the work didn’t
relate to her course, the factory contacted her teacher,
who threatened her scholarship and graduation if she
refused.
This is what is known as forced labour, a common form of
modern slavery. Read
more here.
It is not the first time Amazon has been found with
child labour in their supply chain.
A 2018 report accused all the major tech companies of
slave labour and human rights violations. Amazon
scored the worst on the list with children as young as 9
reported to be working in US facilities.
WHERE CAN I SHOP SUSTAINABLY?
There are many smaller companies Like US that care about
the planet and the people growing, sewing, creating
their products.
There are so many reasons to be angry at Amazon.
The only way we can take back some of their control and
ensure our economy is growing in an ethical way that
benefits everyone is by supporting local, sustainable
businesses.
Support local farms, greengrocers and markets, buy
certified Fairtrade products, and choose second hand
clothing if you can’t afford ethical fashion brands.
Choose to give your money to deserving people instead of
paying a cheaper price for convenience. |
