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Lawsuit From California Hopes To Ban Hyundai And Kia Sales Over Child Labor Allegations
A California lawsuit could block Hyundai and Kia car sales over allegations of exploiting prison and child workers.
A new lawsuit targeting Hyundai and Kia in the United States is pushing to block the sale of their vehicles in California, citing what it calls “unconscionable labor practices.” The case takes aim not at their cars themselves, but at the way the automakers allegedly source parts and labor across their Southern U.S. supply chains.
In mid-2022, Hyundai came under fire in the United States after an investigation revealed that at least four of its major suppliers in Alabama had been using migrant children as young as 12 years old to work.
“No company is above the law— especially companies, like Hyundai and Kia, that are benefiting from public money,” Jobs at America’s litigation director Meredith Stewart said.
“This case says enough is enough to Hyundai and Kia’s persistent refusal to take responsibility for the abhorrent labor practices in their Southern supply chain. Californians— and American workers— deserve better.”
The lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment confirming that Hyundai and Kia’s actions violate California law, along with a permanent injunction mandating independent audits, third-party monitoring, and ongoing compliance verification.
Hyundai has rejected the claims outright, calling them “baseless” in a statement shared with the press. The company maintains that it “prioritizes the safety and well-being of our workforce above all else and remains fully compliant with all federal and state regulations.” “We require our suppliers and business partners to adhere to Hyundai’s strict safety, employment, and legal standards, and take decisive action when violations occur,” it said.
A California lawsuit could block Hyundai and Kia car sales over allegations of exploiting prison and child workers.
A new lawsuit targeting Hyundai and Kia in the United States is pushing to block the sale of their vehicles in California, citing what it calls “unconscionable labor practices.” The case takes aim not at their cars themselves, but at the way the automakers allegedly source parts and labor across their Southern U.S. supply chains.
In mid-2022, Hyundai came under fire in the United States after an investigation revealed that at least four of its major suppliers in Alabama had been using migrant children as young as 12 years old to work.
“No company is above the law— especially companies, like Hyundai and Kia, that are benefiting from public money,” Jobs at America’s litigation director Meredith Stewart said.
“This case says enough is enough to Hyundai and Kia’s persistent refusal to take responsibility for the abhorrent labor practices in their Southern supply chain. Californians— and American workers— deserve better.”
The lawsuit seeks a declaratory judgment confirming that Hyundai and Kia’s actions violate California law, along with a permanent injunction mandating independent audits, third-party monitoring, and ongoing compliance verification.
Hyundai has rejected the claims outright, calling them “baseless” in a statement shared with the press. The company maintains that it “prioritizes the safety and well-being of our workforce above all else and remains fully compliant with all federal and state regulations.” “We require our suppliers and business partners to adhere to Hyundai’s strict safety, employment, and legal standards, and take decisive action when violations occur,” it said.