One of the particular problems that multinationals are involved in the treatment of workers is child labor. Child labor is simply the use of children in the production. People who are experiencing hardship would say that some of the work is culturally or educationally beneficial; however, children are exposed to danger and hazardous conditions. Children are working illegally, and the use of child labor is commonly practiced by multinationals in their productions.
In general, child labor is concentrated in the informal economy or rural sectors hidden from the public view. The best way to reduce child labor for multinational corporations is when these multinational corporations learn how to respect the rights of the children. In addition, they would seriously perform their role in the global fight against child labor. The companies should improve their support in the United Nation’s children’s rights and business principles . In addition, government and private sectors can help reduce child labor through their programs in the community. The efforts to reduce child labor usually rely on the genuine support funded by the government and donors.
In the contrary, if a certain company removes child workers in an abrupt way from their work, unintentionally and consequently, deprive the less fortunate households on their source of income. The children would be at risk to serious exploitation not ensuring that these children end up in school.
First, women or the mothers should faithfully act as advocates for their own children rights. Second, companies should invest in education and identify their genuine support of the children’s rights, engage to commitments to secure the future of the children. Effective schooling and remedial programs can help raise awareness and change the attitudes of the public.
When the children can access to a quality education, child labor incidence will reduce and the social and economic development will be promoted.
Remember, if parents see that their children have no educational opportunities then they have less motivation to let their children to depart from work and they have less hope that their children awaits a better future.
Reference
Fieser, J., & Moseley, A. (2012). Introduction to business ethics. San Diego, California:
Bridgepoint, Education, Inc.
Kell, G. (2013, April 18). Child labour will end only if businesses respect children's rights.
Children's rights and businesses , pp. 1-3. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/sustainable-business/child-labour-businesses-childrens-rights.
