Is the Chinese factory producing Labubu toys exploiting workers?
Synopsis
A recent report by China Labor Watch exposes serious labor rights violations at a factory producing Labubu toys for Pop Mart, claiming underage workers are exploited with blank contracts and excessive overtime. This alarming revelation raises crucial questions about labor practices in the toy industry and the implications for consumer awareness.
Key Takeaways
Workers signed blank contracts , indicating a lack of transparency.
Underage workers were employed without necessary protections.
Production targets were deemed unrealistic , leading to excessive overtime.
Labor rights violations were observed during a three-month investigation.
Pop Mart's response emphasizes audits, yet concerns remain.
New Delhi, Jan 15 (NationPress) A US-based labor rights organization, China Labor Watch (CLW), has revealed shocking findings of worker exploitation at a factory belonging to the Chinese toy manufacturer Pop Mart. Employees were reportedly coerced into signing blank cheques and compelled to work overtime.
According to the report by China Labor Watch, investigators spent three months at the Shunjia Toys factory located in Xinfeng county, in the Jiangxi province of southeast China, where they observed that workers often signed blank labor contracts.
The investigation highlighted the employment of 16- and 17-year-olds without the necessary protections mandated by Chinese labor laws, alongside inadequate health and safety training, and other rights violations.
The factory is responsible for manufacturing Labubus, part of Pop Mart's popular toy line known as “the Monsters.”
The report further noted that the 16- to 18-year-old workers at Shunjia were placed in standard assembly line roles, facing the same workload and production expectations as adult employees.
CLW conducted interviews with over 50 workers, including three minors, all of whom were exclusively involved in the production of Labubus. The factory employs in excess of 4,500 individuals.
“The underage workers typically did not comprehend the nature of the contracts they signed and lacked a clear understanding of their legal rights,” stated CLW’s report.
Workers were set unreasonable production targets, with groups of 25 to 30 expected to assemble at least 4,000 Labubus figures daily. Many employees logged more than 100 hours of overtime each month, which vastly exceeds the legal limit of 36 hours.
“Current oversight mechanisms within the supply chain seem inadequate to promptly identify and rectify these labor issues. If Pop Mart genuinely aims to mitigate labor risks in the Labubu supply chain, it must create accessible channels for worker grievances and communication,” remarked Li Qiang, the executive director of CLW.
In response, Pop Mart refuted the allegations, affirming its commitment to the welfare and safety of workers at its OEM factories. A company spokesperson stated, “We perform regular and standardized audits of our OEM partners, including annual independent assessments by internationally recognized firms.”
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Point of View
It is imperative for both companies and consumers to advocate for ethical production standards. While Pop Mart asserts rigorous auditing processes, the reported exploitation of young workers underscores a critical need for improved oversight and transparency in global supply chains. As a nation, we must demand accountability and foster a marketplace that prioritizes humane working conditions.
NationPress
10 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What allegations have been made against the Pop Mart factory?
The factory has been accused of forcing workers to sign blank cheques, employing minors without legal protections, and imposing excessive overtime hours.
How many workers are employed at the Shunjia Toys factory?
The factory employs over 4,500 workers.
What is the legal limit for overtime hours in China?
The legal limit for overtime in China is 36 hours per month.
What measures has Pop Mart claimed to implement for worker welfare?
Pop Mart claims to conduct regular audits of its OEM partners, including annual independent assessments by recognized audit firms.
Who conducted the investigation into the labor practices?
The investigation was conducted by the US-based labor rights group, China Labor Watch (CLW).
