Update: Panasonic disclosure re-allegations of labour rights abuse of Bangladeshi workers at Malaysian supplier
... Since the allegation of human rights violation was reported in September 2024, the Panasonic Group has conducted on-site audits confirming violations of our mandatory Panasonic Supply Chain CSR Promotion Guidelines and as a result, requesting and supporting, where possible, Kawaguchi Manufacturing to correct the found issues, for example withholding passports of foreign migrant workers, delay in salary payment and excessive working hours. We provided advice on corrective measures and remedial actions and had on site follow-up visits to confirm the improvement status. We have verified correction of a part of issues such as passport return to workers but others are still in the process of improvement which we remain to monitor. In addition, as an effort to support Kawaguchi Manufacturing’s financial situation, we have paid for ordered products prior to the payment date, accepted their delayed delivery, and advanced the payment for procuring the raw materials.
Remaining deeply concerned about the situation of the workers, we are committed to address workers’ labor rights abuses in a collaborative manner together with relevant stakeholders (such as government authorities, impacted workers and their representation, and other sourcing companies). Considering how to support other necessary measures to safeguard and remediate the impacted workers, we will work with the Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) of which we are a member to facilitate further engagement amongst relevant stakeholders and determination of appropriate next steps...