Business Ethics – Samsung in hot seat over abusing Chinese workers

After Apple’s Foxconn scandal of exploiting Chinese workers astounded the world, China Labor Watch began their investigation into different technological factories. Recently, the group probed into Samsung-owned plants and suppliers, and uncovered shocking details.

1. Workers have more than 100 hours over time per month
2. The issue of child labor is occurring in the factories
3. Workers are not supplied with protective clothing
4. They suffer from physical and verbal abuses without regulation
5. The workers are paid with minimum salary

The problem of unable to provide basic promising working condition and environment to employees is considered unethical to the norm. While workers were strive to work to their limit for Samsung, they did not receive the right and security they deserved. Child labor is another issue. Chinese government promises for a 9-year-free education program for children. If children are in work force, how are they able to enjoy the opportunity they are endowed to have? The above issues raise another concern—

if the suppliers cannot even satisfy the basic needs of workers, how can they produce satisfying products?

Samsung swiftly responded to the accusation by promising to end contracts with suppliers who fail to provide safe working environments in the

audit hosting later. However, the fact that Samsung did not uncover the problem in the first place leaves skepticism—has Samsung turned a blind eye to the ethical issue in exchange for a maximum profit?

For more details, please visit:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/technology/business-technology/samsung-in-hot-seat-over-abusing-chinese-workers/article4519709/

http://www.bgr.com/2012/08/07/samsung-labor-violations-chinese-factory/

p.s. and now this is another piece of evidence where Apple can sue Samsung as a copycat 😛