This is a former Green America campaign, and progress was made! Thousands of Green Americans wrote to Disney about labor abuses in its supply chain, and Disney responded by taking steps to address abuses in certain factories. Together, we moved Disney and we can hold other massive corporations accountable too.

In June, 2016, China Labor Watch issued a report entitled “The Dark World of Disney” that found appalling labor conditions at two of Disney’s supplier factories in China. Workers in the factories worked 11-hour days for the equivalent of $1.32 US dollars per hour, and were required to work overtime. They were exposed to toxic chemicals without protection or any training in how to handle them. Workers slept in overcrowded dormitories with unsanitary facilities and fed substandard food.

After that report came out and thousands of Green Americans wrote to Disney, the company responded that it dropped one of the suppliers and is pushing the other to improve. But, in November, 2016, China Labor Watch issued a new report documenting yet another Disney supplier factory where employees are working 100 overtime hours per month, are exposed to toxins, and are forced to sign away their rights when they join the company. Investigations of Disney factories revealing multiple abuses now go back 15 years! The company has had ample time to require factories to comply with its code of conduct and all local laws. Yet, time and again, abuses are found at Disney contractors.

Despite the progress made years ago, there are reports that labor abuses are still occurring in Disney’s supply chain and the supply chains of other major toy companies. If you would like to reach out to Disney directly, here are some tips to write an effective letter to companies.

Shop from Green Businesses! Green America's certified Green Businesses are working to create an economy that works for people and the planet and have excellent options for toys.

Skip the big name toy companies and shop second-hand! This helps to keep toys out of landfills. Toycycle is one example where you can find toys that are new to you AND sell toys that you may be ready to part with.