Hyundai Used Child Labor in Alabama

The article 'Special Report: How A Fake Id Let Hyundai Suppliers Use Child Labor In Alabama' exposed the alarming reality of child labor being used by Hyundai suppliers in Alabama. During a surprise inspection, federal labor officials noticed a young-looking worker in a warehouse restacking large metal castings. When approached, the boy presented a fake ID claiming he was 18 years old when he was actually only 15 and still in high school. Upon further investigation and review of company paperwork, it was discovered that the boy had been working at the warehouse for months. The labor field report revealed that this was not an isolated case as other underage workers were also found in different locations operated by Hyundai Glovis, a subsidiary of giant Hyundai Motor. 

A fake Tennessee ID was used to allow Hyundai suppliers to use child labor in Alabama
The boy in question had attended Montgomery Middle School and was identified through his documents, which showed he was a 15-year old boy migrant from Mexico. Fernando Ramos, the 34-year old man who helped him obtain the fake ID, said he learned how to look at credentials from another man. Ramos also claimed that he learned inspectors were only looking for certain things and could easily be tricked by a well-made fake ID.

Employed labor recruiters hired a boy who was just 14 years old

He worked at one of the largest factory employers in Alabama. The boy performed warehouse factory jobs for several parts makers, including Hyundai, and was paid well below reported wages. Allegations by investigators suggest that this is not an isolated case, as numerous companies are believed to have employed boys and girls under the age of 16 to perform factory work through staffing agencies. Although these agencies paid maximum state levy, they were able to circumvent laws against child labor by providing false IDs and social security cards.

Although Hyundai didn't directly employ these workers

Hyundai recognizes that it has a responsibility to understand its suppliers and their practices. To ensure compliance with global workforce standards, audited suppliers are required to comply with illegal child labor prevention policies and held training seminars for employees. However, investigators found that some third party staffing agencies were using fraudulent identification documents for underage workers.

The Mexican boy arrived at the Texas-Arizona border and was used for his identity by his father

The boys father had previously crossed the border illegally. The boy's immigration history was then used to provide false documentation to Hyundai suppliers in Alabama, allowing him to work despite being underage. The history of the family was uncovered by officials who released information about their immigration records.

The boy was only 14 years old when he was taken by his uncle who promised him good pay

The pay was for lifting heavy objects. However, the boy struggled with the work and told his father about it. When the father confronted his brother, he was threatened and told to keep quiet. The father eventually told Reuters about what happened and an organized November inspection by federal labor officials found evidence of child labor in the warehouse and later assembly of vehicle parts.