Labour groups criticise Disney over worker conditions at China suppliers

Labour groups have criticised Disney over conditions at a small number of its local suppliers in China, highlighting issues such as low wages, high rates of injury and health risks from exposure to chemicals and dust.

Disney, set to open a US$5.5 billion theme park in Shanghai on Thursday, said it took any violation of labour regulations “seriously” and that it would investigate any allegations against its suppliers.

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A report from Hong-Kong based advocacy group Students & Scholars Against Corporate Misbehaviour (SACOM) said some workers at eight Disney suppliers it had investigated were forced to work long hours and paid wages below the minimum legally allowed.

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Injury levels were also high because of old machinery and a lack of training or protective equipment.

In a separate report, China Labour Watch cited issues at two other factories, including low wages, exposure to chemicals and ineffective audits of working conditions by clients.

A Disney spokeswoman said the firm took “seriously claims of labour standards violations against the independent facilities producing Disney-branded products”.

“It is our practice to thoroughly investigate those allegations and assist facilities in remediation efforts and comply with local regulations.”