Protests by Chinese workers, manufacturing the garish plastic toys
McDonalds uses to lure children through its golden arches, descended
into a riot in September.
China Labor Watch reports that 1,000 of the
10,000 workers who live and work in the Hong Kong factory took part.
Many were injured and dozens arrested.
The protestors, who also make
toys for Disney, Mattel and Warner, claimed to be suffering under
terrible working conditions. Chinese workers live at the bottom of
society, commented Li Qiang, China Labor Watch Director. They have no
means to voice their needs or to protect their lawful rights.
Workers
will only stand up and fight when their situation is so miserable that
they do not have any other options... McDonalds and Mattel have not
lived up to their social responsibilities as large corporations, and
have not respected their own codes of conduct.
For more information, visit http://www.chinalaborwatch.org
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20/2/2007 - Human Rights Abuses in China
When I was in uni, without an income, I still refused to shop at discount stores such as Crazy Clarkes as they do just import truckloads of cheap crud from countries where workers are abused and this perpetuates the cycle.
I'm not against buying foreign made goods, but I am in favour of being careful where they're from.
But hey, Macdonals is every one's favourite company to beat up on - are other companies offering kids meals like this that much better?