While the trendy toy Labubu has started to disappear from the scene after taking the world by storm, the Labubu manufacturer seems to be facing criticism for allegedly exploiting workers, as claimed by a labor rights organization, China Labor Watch (CLW).
CLW accused the Chinese factory that makes the popular Labubu dolls of exploiting its workforce.
A subsequent investigation into the case revealed that Shunjia Toys Co Ltd, a supplier to Pop Mart, subjected employees to excessive overtime, required them to sign blank or incomplete contracts and denied them paid leave.
For those unaware, the Labubu dolls, known for their viral appeal and “blind box” sales, have gained immense traction worldwide.
In response to the allegations, Pop Mart stated that it is investigating the allegations and emphasized its commitment to ensure that suppliers correct any issues identified.
Pop Mart conducts regular audits of its suppliers, including annual independent reviews by internationally recognized inspectors. CLW’s investigation involved 51 personal interviews with factory workers regarding recruitment, contracts and working conditions.
The factory, located in Guangdong province, employs over 4,500 workers and is the primary production facility for Pop Mart.
As outlined in CLW’s report, numerous labor violations were committed at Shunjia Toys, including illegal overtime, unclear contract practices and inadequate safety training.
Although no child labor was found, the factory employed 16-year-olds under the same conditions as adults, violating Chinese labor laws that require special protection for minors.
CLW called on Pop Mart to take immediate action to address these issues, compensate affected workers and comply with both Chinese labor laws and international standards.
