IKEA Investigates Child Labor Allegations

IKEA began to investigate Dutch media allegations that two of its Indian suppliers exploit child labor. The Dutch television show “Nova” reported that the two companies, Prem Textiles and R.K. Exports, employ scores of children under age 14. Johanna Soutendijk, a spokeswoman for IKEA in the Netherlands, denied claims that the company deliberately used suppliers who rely on child labor. She said officials at IKEA’s headquarters in Sweden, which deals with foreign suppliers, would review tapes of the documentary and investigate the claims. “Every producer signs a contract with IKEA that they will not employ children under 14,” she said. “If they break that promise, then it is over and out for them.” IKEA’s low-cost furniture is immensely popular in the Netherlands, particularly among young people.