US sues Hyundai, others over child labor at Alabama parts plant

The SMART plant, a key supplier to Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, responsible for the assembly of popular vehicles such as the Hyundai Santa Fe, Tucson, and Santa Cruz, found itself embroiled in a Labor Department complaint. Within the complaint, it was disclosed that SMART had notified the staffing agency that “two additional employees were not welcome back at the facility due to their appearance and other physical characteristics, which suggested they were also underage.” Solicitor of Labor Seema Nanda underscored that companies cannot deflect accountability by shifting blame onto suppliers or staffing agencies for child labor violations when they themselves hold employer status.

An extensive investigation uncovered a pervasive and unlawful practice of employing migrant children within Alabama factories that supply parts to both Hyundai and its sister brand Kia. Notably, the investigation revealed the presence of underage workers at Hyundai supplier SMART in Luverne, Alabama. This revelation emerged following the brief disappearance in February 2022 of a Guatemalan migrant child from her family’s residence in Alabama, shedding light on the broader issue of child labor within the industry.