Guest Comments by Students and Scholars Against Corporate Misbehavior (SACOM)

WAN CHAI, Hong Kong -- The Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair takes place from January 9-12 at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre. We will stage a protest on the opening day.

We aim to pressure international toy brands, like Disney and Mattel, to reform their buying practices that lead to labor-rights violations. The toy industry's certification programme, ICTI CARE Process, shares responsibility in sustaining exploitation.

Since 2005, SACOM has monitored working conditions in China's toy industry. Sadly, we have seen little real improvement in working conditions.

Last summer, we investigated three toy factories that supply global companies, like Disney, Mattel, Lego, McDonald's and Walmart. All three factories have been certified by ICTI CARE for several years, yet still violate fundamental labor rights. Apparently, denial of contracts, excessive overtime, poor work-safety standards and lack of social insurance don't prevent certification. More details appear in our report, Making Toys Without Joy.

When placing orders, the toy brands focus mainly on quality and price. They need to raise their unit prices, extend delivery times and facilitate the creation of democratic unions at their suppliers.

At the Toy Fair, we will seize the chance to demand compliance with international and national labor standards.

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