Improving toy manufacturing conditions: a code of conduct (in French only)

Author

Maryse Guénette

Organization

Option consommateurs

Published

2006

Summary

Today, 75% of toys sold around the world are still being manufactured in China under conditions that do not respect workers’ basic rights as recognized by the International Labour Organization. The pressure tactics and information campaigns that have been carried out for years by organizations around the world seem to have had a limited impact in the Chinese factories. To provide a better understanding of the problem, the report looks at the working conditions in Chinese toy factories. Over the years, various organizations have done a number of studies in the field to try to draw public attention to the deplorable working conditions that they have witnessed. The report examines their actions. These organizations have not only created a stir and attracted attention; they have also proposed tools to deal with the problem, one of them being a code of practice. A number of toy manufacturers, distributors and merchant associations have agreed to develop a code based on the standards prescribed by the International Labour Organization. Have these codes been properly developed? Are their measures sufficient? Do they comply with the suggestions of human rights defence organizations and unions? To find out, Option consommateurs reviewed the codes of practice developed by three large entities: a retailer (Carrefour), a manufacturer (Mattel) and an association (International Council of Toy Industries). The organization also looked at whether there were other ways to bring about change. There is an overview of the solutions proposed by organizations that promote better working conditions in the toy industry. The last part of the report focuses on the results of a survey carried out in co-operation with Environics to find out where Canadian consumers stand on this issue.

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French only

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OCA Funded Research
This research received funding support through the Office of Consumer Affairs' Contributions Program.

Contact information

Source: Consumer Policy Research Database