On the 23rd of May, 2023, WalkFree unveiled their latest Global Slavery Index, casting a spotlight on the tech industry’s substantial dependence on potentially forced labor, a factor contributing significantly to the $468 billion worth of goods at risk due to importation. From the production of electronics in China and Malaysia to the manufacture of solar panels and the extraction of raw materials, there is an urgent need for increased transparency and proactive measures.
related content
Exploitation of migrant workers persists in Taiwan’s semiconductor industry
Taiwan’s booming semiconductor industry heavily relies on migrant workers, particularly from the Philippines. These workers often depend on job brokers who control various aspects of their employment, including housing, transportation, and job placements. Reports indicate…
Brazil sues BYD over labor abuses in EV supply chain
In the article published by the Reuters, Brazilian labor prosecutors have launched a high-profile lawsuit against Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD and several of its subcontractors, due to alleged “slavery-like conditions” and international human trafficking….
Forced labor risks persist in tech supply chains
A new analysis reveals that only 3 out of 45 major ICT companies scored above 50/100 in addressing forced labor risks in their supply chains. The average score was just 20/100, indicating widespread shortcomings in…
UK bans solar imports linked to forced labor in Xinjiang
In a significant policy shift, the UK government has banned the import of solar panels and renewable energy components linked to forced labor in China’s Xinjiang region. Energy Minister Ed Miliband announced the ban, citing…
No Union, No Voice: Nine Ways the Electronics Industry Cracks Down on Labour Rights.
Workers Waiting to Die in Morowali: The Risks of Occupational Diseases in One of the World’s Largest Nickel Industrial Zones”
A recent study Sembada Bersama Indonesia, “Workers Waiting to Die in Morowali: The Risks of Occupational Diseases in One of the World’s Largest Nickel Industrial Zones” (Aug 2023–Dec 2024), uncovers alarming occupational health and safety…
Nexperia Workers File Strike Notice Amid CBA Stalemate and Union Repression
Workers at Nexperia Philippines have filed a Notice of Strike following a year-long deadlock in Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) negotiations. Despite the union’s reasonable demands for wage increases and fair benefits, Nexperia remains inflexible, rejecting…
Report on the Human Rights and Environmental Impact of Taiwanese Businesses in Indonesia
A new report by the Taiwan Transnational Corporation Watch on the human rights and environmental impact of Taiwanese business in Indonesia, including a chapter on Pegatron (major contract manufacturer in electronics) and the impact of…
Historic strike at SAMSUNG
The largest union at Samsung Electronics has launched an indefinite strike following failed negotiations over pay and working conditions. Initially planned as a three-day strike by 6,500 workers, it has expanded as management remained silent….
Chain of Consequences: How Chinese Workers Pay for Supply Chain De-risking
SOMO and the China Labour Bulletin have released a report titled ‘Chain of Consequences: How Chinese Workers Pay for Supply Chain De-risking.’ The report details how apparel and electronics brands are relocating production away from…