Chinese Labour Watch reports unfair labour practices at Labubu doll maker

The popular Labubu toy, once a global trend, is now facing controversy. A labour rights group, China Labour Watch (CLW), has accused the manufacturer of exploiting workers in its factories.

According to CLW, Shunjia Toys Co Ltd, which supplies Labubu dolls for Pop Mart, forced employees to work excessive overtime, made them sign incomplete or blank contracts, and denied them paid leave. The factory, located in Guangdong province, employs over 4,500 workers and is the main facility producing Pop Mart toys.

Labubu dolls, known for their viral appeal and sales in “blind boxes,” gained worldwide popularity, but the working conditions behind their production are now under scrutiny.

Pop Mart responded by saying it is investigating the claims and stressed its commitment to ensuring suppliers fix any problems. The company regularly audits its factories, including independent annual inspections.

CLW’s investigation involved 51 interviews with factory workers, revealing multiple labour violations. While no child labour was reported, 16-year-old workers were treated the same as adults, which breaks Chinese labour laws that require extra protections for minors. Other issues included illegal overtime, unclear contract practices, and poor safety training.

CLW has urged Pop Mart to take immediate action, compensate affected workers, and ensure the factory follows both Chinese labour laws and international standards.

This report raises concerns about the hidden human cost behind trendy toys and highlights the importance of fair working conditions in global supply chains.

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