Concerns Rise Over Labubu: Reports of Worker Exploitation in Chinese Factory Amid Long Hours and Low Wages
Remember the Labubus dolls, the adorable toys that captured hearts and dominated sales in 2025? Unfortunately, they are back in the spotlight, but this time due to serious allegations of labor exploitation. A recent investigation by China Labor Watch (CLW), a labor rights NGO based in New York, has uncovered troubling practices at Shunjia Toys, the factory responsible for producing these popular dolls. The report highlights multiple labor violations, including the employment of underage workers and unrealistic production demands.
Labor Violations at Shunjia Toys
The investigation into Shunjia Toys, located in Xinfeng county, Jiangxi province, revealed alarming conditions for its workforce of over 4,500 employees dedicated to Labubus production. CLW’s findings indicate that the factory has been hiring 16- and 17-year-olds without providing the necessary legal protections mandated for young workers. Over three months, investigators interviewed more than 50 employees, including three minors, who expressed confusion about their employment contracts. Many underage workers reportedly did not comprehend the nature of the contracts they signed, raising concerns about their legal status and rights.
Moreover, the report highlights that workers were often required to sign blank labor contracts. They were given minimal time—no more than five minutes—to complete the process, with explicit instructions not to read or fill in other sections. This lack of transparency and understanding among workers points to a broader issue of exploitation within the factory.
Unrealistic Production Targets and Excessive Overtime
The pressure on workers at Shunjia Toys is compounded by unrealistic production targets. Teams of 25 to 30 employees are expected to assemble at least 4,000 Labubus dolls each day. This demand significantly exceeds the legal limits set by Chinese law, which restricts monthly overtime to 36 hours. However, many workers reported routinely exceeding 100 hours of overtime each month, leading to exhaustion and burnout.
Shunjia Toys claims an official annual production capacity of 12 million units, with plans to expand to 33 million by late 2025. Yet, CLW’s investigation suggests that actual production levels may already exceed these figures, with some teams reportedly producing over 24 million units annually. This discrepancy between planned capacity and actual output is not uncommon in China’s manufacturing sector, according to Li Qiang, executive director of CLW. He noted that rapid market demand often forces production to expand beyond planned levels, placing undue pressure on workers.
Pop Mart’s Response and Future Actions
Labubus dolls are part of Pop Mart’s “Monsters” line, which generated an impressive 4.8 billion yuan (£511 million) in sales during the first half of 2025. Pop Mart’s CEO, Wang Ning, has stated that the company is on track to achieve 20 billion yuan in revenue for the year. In light of the recent allegations, a spokesperson for Pop Mart emphasized the company’s commitment to worker welfare and safety at its manufacturing partners.
The spokesperson confirmed that Pop Mart conducts regular audits of its supply chain, including annual independent assessments by recognized audit firms. They acknowledged the concerns raised by CLW and stated that an investigation is underway. Should the findings be validated, Pop Mart pledged to enforce corrective actions in accordance with local laws and regulations, reinforcing their commitment to ethical manufacturing practices.
Wider Implications for China’s Manufacturing Sector
The issues highlighted in CLW’s report are indicative of broader labor challenges within China’s manufacturing industry. Many workers face long hours and low wages, often under conditions that violate labor laws. The findings serve as a reminder of the ongoing need for improved labor rights and protections in the sector. As the demand for products like Labubus continues to rise, it is crucial for companies to ensure that their production practices uphold the rights and well-being of their workers.
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