China

China is currently the world’s largest producer of electronic products. The IT hardware industry is one of the fastest growing industry sectors and has a modern and clean image. But in fact the working and ecological conditions in this industry are appalling. Brand companies have signed a common code of conduct for the sector. However, the code is weak by its content and there is no evidence of real improvement resulting from the activities of brand companies. More public pressure on brand companies is needed to push them forward.

GE is closing light bulb manufacturing plants in Ohio and moving contracts to joint ventures in China. GE claims it cannot afford to produce CFLs in the US. Policy Matters Ohio argues conditions in China violate the GE Code of Conduct. Report discusses how conditions violate Chinese labor law. There is also concern over workers' health as they are dealing with dangerous levels of Mercury. Although the lightbulbs may be energy-efficient, that does not mean they are environmentally friendly.