 |
On February 19, 1998 a woman migrant worker was beaten by security guards of a Hong Kong owned toy factory, City Toys Ltd., in Shenzhen. The factory produces Happy Meal toys for McDonald's, under a subcontracting arrangement of the chain's agent in Hong Kong, M- B Sales (HK) Ltd.
Just after City workers got off work at about midnight on the evening of February 19, Guo Zai Feng tried to visit her sister who works at the toy factory. Guo Zai Feng, who works in an electronics factory opposite City Toys was beaten up by five or six security guards. Her sister says that Guo was only trying to give her some money to bring back to their family in Sichaun. The security guards however said that she was making trouble and should be "taught a lesson."
It was reported in local newspapers and radio that she was beaten unconscious and was then dragged into the security room and further abused. She was badly cut on her face, and her arms and calves were swollen and bruised. She also suffered some type of mental breakdown.
Guo Zai Feng is now in a psychiatric asylum whele she has been receiving treatment. Doctors have diagnosed paranoia and excessive anxiety. She has hallucinations of being hit and constantly is mummuring, "don't hit me" and "my head is swollen and aching." She has lost cognitive ability, and cannot even recognise her sister.
According to other City Toy workers, it is common practice for security guards to hit them for no reason at all. Kicking, slaps and verbal threats are common when then yawn after 20 hours of overtime work or doze off, show reluctance to work overtime, wear their work permits on the wrong place, or forget to place a stray hair inside their caps while working. Workers said that they were lucky if they got off with only one or two slaps, as they might be fined RMB20 to 100 for similar infractions.
Guo Zai Xiu has reported hel sister's case to the police. Yet, after one month of investigation, they only say the case is pending. She does not know whether the security guards involved have been punished.
After the incident, the factory manager threatened to dismiss Guo Zai Xiu and the security guards have warned her not to make trouble. The local police negotiated with the factory to not dismiss her before the investigation is complete. When asked why she still works at City Toys, she says that she is afraid she will not be able to find another job. "I am over 20 years old now, I am considered an old woman here. . . No one would want me now."
This incident follows several other problems in factories in China
and Vietnam producing Happy Meal toys for M-B Sales. In Vietnam,
at the Key Hinge Co. Ltd. Factory, workers were exposed to harmful
levels of acetone and were hospitalised after being poisoned.
They had inadequate safety protection or training in handling
chemicals. Though McDonaids' has a code of conduct, the problems
at factories producing toys for it continue unabated.
(source: East Week, Hong Kong, April 16, 1998)
|