Modern Day Slavery in Soccer Ball Production in India

Yesterday International Labor Rights Forum (ILRF) and Bachpan Bachao Andolan (BBA) released a detailed report on the use of bonded child labor in the production of soccer balls in Jalandhar and Meerut, India.  According to ILRF’s blog:

In mid September, HBO’s Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel confirmed ILRF’s findings and even has video footage of Mitre soccer balls being stitched by child laborers with a UPC symbol that indicates the balls are bound for the US.  HBO was able to find that same code on balls on the shelves of Wal-Mart.  ILRF also found regular shipments through import records of Regent Sports Corporation, a company that imports Mitre balls to the US.

ILRF and researchers in India have found other companies like Beltona (a Dutch company) using child laborers to produce their balls. Other companies that we haven’t been able to find much information on include Star Soccer and Greenland Sports.

click here to read the press release and here to see pictures.