U.S. files suit against Hyundai and Alabama suppliers for employing 13-year-old in auto factory
- The U.S. Labor Department accuses Hyundai and two other companies of using child labor in Alabama.
- The child, alleged to be 13 years old, worked up to 60 hours per week at an auto body parts assembly line.
- Government sues to prevent further illegal employment of children in these companies.
The U.S. Department of Labor is taking legal action against Hyundai Motor Co., an auto parts plant, and a recruiting company for employing a 13-year-old girl on an assembly line in Alabama. The Labor Department found the girl working long hours each week instead of attending school. This is not allowed because child labor laws exist to protect young people from working in unsafe conditions. The Labor Department filed a complaint in court to make Hyundai, SMART Alabama, and Best Practice Service give up any money they made by using child labor. The agency said all three companies were responsible for employing the child. This legal action was taken after federal investigators discovered the 13-year-old girl working at the SMART assembly line in Luverne, Alabama. Hyundai Motor Co. is being held accountable for repeated child labor violations at SMART Alabama, one of its subsidiaries. The company stated that it follows U.S. labor laws and expressed disappointment in the complaint filed by the Labor Department. Hyundai mentioned that they have taken steps to ensure their suppliers comply with labor laws, such as conducting audits of their operations. This case is significant because it is the first time the Labor Department has sued a major company for violating child labor laws at a subcontractor. The investigation revealed that children as young as 12 were working for Hyundai's suppliers in Alabama. The lawsuit aims to stop the use of child labor and require the companies to give up any profits made from this illegal practice. The Labor Department wants to prevent Hyundai and the other companies from illegally employing children. The lawsuit follows an investigation that found a 13-year-old girl working long hours on an assembly line making auto body parts. Hyundai has stated that they will defend themselves against the allegations and that they have cooperated with the Labor Department throughout the process.