US Labor Department Sues Hyundai Plant for Alleged Child Labor Violations

Hyundai lawsuit Department of labor Child labor violations lawsuit against Hyundai for child labor

By E.Baloyo , Parent Herald May 31, 06:30 am

Photo: (Photo : JUNG YEON-JE /Getty Images)

A Hyundai lawsuit is on the way after child labor violations. The U.S. Department of Labor has alleged that the car manufacturing company, Hyundai, is employing a 13-year-old girl in their plant located in Luverne, Alabama, which is a clear violation of child labor laws.

The 13-year-old girl was reported to be working in the plant's assembly line for 50 to 60 hours per week, which produces auto parts over a period of six to seven months.

The complaints also detail that this employment was part of a joint arrangement involving another auto parts manufacturer and a staffing agency.

The Department of Labor has asked the court to issue an injunction preventing the three companies from continuing such illegal employment practices.

Moreover, the agency is pushing for the companies to forfeit any profits gained from the exploitation of child labor. The complaint stated that consumers throughout the United States unknowingly purchased automobiles that were manufactured with the malpractice of child labor.

Federal Lawsuit Against Hyundai for Child Labor

This lawsuit underscores the Labor Department's commitment to holding corporations accountable for child labor violations, even as some states consider relaxing child labor laws.

Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda emphasized that companies cannot evade responsibility by attributing blame to their suppliers or staffing agencies.

"Companies cannot escape liability by blaming suppliers or staffing companies for child labor violations when they are in fact also employers themselves," Nanda stated.

The Labor Department's recent statistics are alarming, with 955 cases of child labor violations investigated last year, involving nearly 5,800 children across the nation. This includes over 500 children employed in roles deemed hazardous, highlighting the critical nature of the issue.

Hyundai's Defense and Response

As a response to the Hyundai lawsuit, the automobile company released a statement reiterating its commitment to labor law compliance and ethical standards signaling full cooperation from their end.

The company made it public that it has now conducted a comprehensive investigation and implemented corrective measures.

Hyundai stated that the use of child labor, and breach of any labor law, is not consistent with the standards and values they hold themselves to as a company.

However, Hyundai argues that the Labor Department's lawsuit is based on a novel legal theory that unjustly targets the company for the actions of its suppliers.

"We presented all of this information to the U.S. Department of Labor in an effort to resolve the matter, even while detailing the reasons why no legal basis existed to impose liability under the circumstances," the company noted.

Hyundai intends to vigorously defend itself against the lawsuit, asserting that it is unfair to hold the company accountable for the practices of third-party suppliers.

The defendants named in the lawsuit include Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama LLC, SMART Alabama LLC, and Best Practice Service, LLC.

The Department of Labor aims to put an end to the use of child labor and ensure that companies relinquish any profits obtained through such illegal practices.

As the legal proceedings continue, this case sheds light on the ongoing struggle between regulatory bodies and corporations over the enforcement of child labor laws and the ethical responsibilities of businesses within their supply chains.