Group finds China toy factory conditions "brutal"

HONG KONG (Reuters) - A U.S.-based workers' rights group said it found "brutal conditions" and labour violations at eight Chinese plants that make toys for big multinationals, and called on the companies to take steps for better standards.

China Labor Watch said in a report issued on Tuesday after several months of investigation that the manufacturers -- which served a handful of global players, including Walt Disney Co, Bandai and Hasbro Inc -- paid "little heed to the most basic standards of the country".

"Wages are low, benefits are nonexistent, work environments are dangerous and living conditions are humiliating," it said.

The report comes as Chinese exports are under growing scrutiny abroad over safety concerns a week after Mattel Inc recalled millions of toys, including 436,000 die-cast toy cars from its "Cars" line, because they may contain excessive amounts of lead.

China has also been hauled over the coals for the safety of food, drugs and other exports ranging from tires to toothpaste. Officials have been quick to say that the vast majority of the country's exports meet standards.

"Whether it's high prices for construction equipment, gasoline shortages and high prices, what you continue to hear is China is the reason for it because of their burgeoning growth," said Pam Ellen, an assistant marketing professor at Georgia State's Robinson College of Business.

"It's likely to create a consumer backlash."

The report concluded that "short-sighted policies" drive major companies to "turn a blind eye to safety -- and to ignore the labour conditions in their supplier factories as well".

"Instead of concentrating on improving product safety and workers' lives, companies spend their energy creating beautiful pamphlets on social responsibility, disputing critical reports and shifting blame," it said.