Protect the Workers in Your Supply Chain

David Zuchowski, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America

Workers at the Lear Corporation plant in Selma, AL, make foam seat cushions for Hyundai. These workers—most of whom make $12.25 an hour or less—use dangerous chemicals, called isocyanates, which are known to cause asthma and related respiratory problems. There is evidence that one of the chemicals used in the plant, an isocyanate called TDI, may also cause cancer.

Despite numerous efforts by workers to address these health and safety issues with plant management, workers and even the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) say there is still cause for concern.

Hyundai has the power and the responsibility to require Lear to make the necessary investments to ensure good, safe, fair working conditions in Selma. Hyundai’s own corporate social responsibility policies acknowledge that its obligations extend to the companies in its supply chain.

To: David Zuchowski, President and CEO of Hyundai Motor America
From: [Your Name]

Dear Mr. Zuchowski –

As consumers, we care about many things when we purchase a new vehicle—quality, value, fuel efficiency, and style. But we also care about who made that car, and what the working conditions are in those plants. That applies not only to Hyundai’s own factories, but also the suppliers from which you purchase parts. In fact, Hyundai’s own 2014 “Road to Sustainability” recognizes that your company’s commitment to social responsibility extends to your suppliers.

We are very concerned about the situation at one of your suppliers, a Lear plant in Selma, AL, that makes foam seat cushions for Hyundai vehicles. OSHA has cited the plant for safety violations multiple times since the plant opened in 2004. Many of those citations were for serious violations. Also, a senior OSHA official, in sworn testimony to a federal court, expressed concern about ongoing safety issues at the plant.

It’s no secret how to make a foam plant safe—keep workers away from the areas where the chemicals are used, ensure adequate ventilation, give workers proper protective equipment and training, and when there is an emergency, address the root cause of the problem. We urge Hyundai to acknowledge there are ongoing safety issues in Selma, and insist that Lear work to fix the problems, not silence the workers who raised these concerns.