The challenge of managing young and student workers in the supply-chain factories is an increasing concern for companies in China. In order to promote a better understanding of the existing situation, as well as highlight the potential risks faced by the students, the Center for Child-Rights and Corporate Social Responsibility (CCR CSR) performed a snap shot survey of 300 student workers during the summer of 2013, in plastics and electronic factories in Guangdong, where during peak season the factory faces significant labor shortages as well as recruitment challenges. The participants included student workers who took their internship as part of their school requirement and juvenile workers under 18 years old who are employed full-time.

Some of the key findings of the survey reveal that in regard to recruitment practices, only 7% have signed a tri-party contract with both the school and the employer in spite of the Chinese law requirements. As for working hours, 84% work overtime despite prohibition. Concerning work relationship, 34% feel their supervisors pay attention and listen to their problems. For support from family, 48% feel parents are not involved at all and as for school support, 48% say their teachers listen to their problems, while 37% say they partly attend to them when needed and 15% indicate they have never talked to their teachers.

CCR CSR and ELEVATE collaborated on the survey, which was conducted in plastics and electronic factories in Guangdong, where during peak season the factory faces significant labor shortages as well as recruitment challenges. Hiring student workers is often one of the solutions employed by factory management. The survey looks at the full spectrum of the student’s life in the factory, including: school program, recruitment process, working hours, work relationships, support from school and family, as well as working conditions. It also focuses on feelings and experiences from the young workers’ perspectives.

Find out more of our key findings in the infographic below.