Industry Statement on Child Labor (U.S.)
Affirming the industry’s position on a key human rights issue.
In light of legislative changes to state labor laws in the United States, AIAG and its member companies reaffirm the industry’s position on child labor and young workers. As stated in the Automotive Industry Guiding Principles to Enhance Sustainability Performance in the Supply Chain (2022), also referred to as the Guiding Principles, the industry standard for global legislative compliance is as follows:
Suppliers must observe the minimum employment age in their business activities and throughout their supply chain in accordance with the International Labor Organization (ILO) Minimum Age Convention and shall ensure that child labor/labour is not tolerated in any form.
Child labor/labour is not tolerated. The age of employment for young workers must meet or exceed company guidelines and local labor/labour laws.
Legitimate workplace apprenticeship and student learning programs that comply with all applicable laws and regulations are supported.
To ensure proper management of student workers, suppliers should maintain accurate student records and protect students’ rights in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Suppliers must not employ young workers for any hazardous work, nighttime, or overtime work, or work that is inconsistent with the young worker’s personal development. Personal development includes a young worker’s health or physical, mental, or social development.
Young workers must, at all times, be protected from violence and abuse.
Where a young worker is employed, the best interest of the young worker should be a primary consideration.
The Guiding Principles define common expectations and requirements of the signatories for their suppliers and are referenced in your customers’ terms and conditions, Codes of Conduct, Supplier ESG/Sustainability Requirements, or other customer policies. Additional information is provided in the Automotive Sustainability Practical Guidance (2022).
AIAG offers copies of the Guiding Principles and supplementary Practical Guidance documents, and encourages you to consult related resources, assessments, training, and more.
This information is not intended as a substitute for a rigorous analysis of your company’s supply chain due diligence process.