Labor rights violations in battery supply chains remain a persistent challenge across multiple stages of production, from raw material extraction to final assembly. The growing demand for lithium-ion batteries, driven by electric vehicles and renewable energy storage, has intensified scrutiny on the social and ethical dimensions of battery manufacturing. This article examines key issues in working conditions, barriers to unionization, and wage theft, alongside the effectiveness of audits, certifications, and advocacy efforts in addressing these challenges.

The extraction of critical minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel often involves hazardous working conditions. In artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) operations, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), workers face exposure to toxic substances, inadequate safety equipment, and long hours with minimal pay. Reports indicate that child labor remains prevalent in some cobalt mining regions, despite international efforts to eliminate the practice. Large-scale industrial mining also presents risks, including respiratory diseases from dust exposure and injuries due to insufficient safety protocols.

In battery manufacturing plants, particularly in regions with weak labor protections, workers frequently encounter excessive overtime, forced labor, and restricted movement. Some facilities enforce production quotas that lead to unsafe working speeds, increasing the likelihood of accidents. In certain cases, migrant workers are subjected to exploitative contracts, with wages withheld or deductions imposed for housing and other necessities. These conditions are compounded by a lack of transparency in subcontracting chains, making it difficult to trace labor abuses to their source.

Unionization efforts face significant obstacles in many battery-producing regions. In some countries, governments suppress labor organizing through restrictive laws or intimidation tactics. Employers may discourage union membership by threatening layoffs or blacklisting activists. Even where unions exist, their bargaining power is often limited by weak enforcement of labor laws. For example, in some Southeast Asian battery factories, union representatives report being excluded from critical negotiations over wages and safety standards.

Wage theft is another widespread issue, with workers frequently denied overtime pay or subjected to unauthorized deductions. In lithium mining operations in South America, seasonal workers report being paid below the legal minimum wage, with discrepancies between promised and actual earnings. Similar patterns emerge in cell and pack assembly facilities, where temporary workers are particularly vulnerable to underpayment. The lack of formal contracts in some sectors exacerbates the problem, leaving workers with little recourse to reclaim lost wages.

Audits and certifications have emerged as tools to address labor violations, though their effectiveness varies. The Fair Cobalt Alliance and similar initiatives aim to improve conditions in artisanal mining by providing training, safety equipment, and fair wage frameworks. However, audits often suffer from limited scope, with some focusing only on first-tier suppliers while neglecting deeper tiers of the supply chain. Certification programs also face criticism for being inaccessible to smaller operators due to high costs, leaving many high-risk sites unaudited.

Multi-stakeholder initiatives, such as the Responsible Minerals Initiative (RMI) and the Global Battery Alliance, seek to harmonize standards across the industry. These platforms facilitate collaboration between companies, governments, and civil society to develop best practices for labor rights. Yet, participation remains voluntary, and enforcement mechanisms are often weak. Some critics argue that without binding regulations, these initiatives risk becoming symbolic rather than transformative.

Litigation has played a growing role in holding companies accountable for labor abuses. Several lawsuits have been filed against major corporations alleging complicity in forced labor within their supply chains. These cases often rely on domestic laws prohibiting human rights violations, such as the U.S. Tariff Act or the EU’s proposed Due Diligence Directive. While some lawsuits have resulted in settlements or policy changes, legal proceedings are frequently protracted, and remedies for affected workers remain inadequate.

Advocacy groups and trade unions continue to push for systemic reforms. Campaigns targeting consumer electronics and automotive companies have pressured firms to adopt stricter supply chain policies. Worker-led organizations in mining regions have also gained traction, using collective action to demand better wages and safety measures. These efforts are complemented by international frameworks like the OECD Due Diligence Guidance, which provides a roadmap for companies to identify and mitigate labor risks.

The path toward ethical battery supply chains requires a combination of regulatory enforcement, corporate accountability, and worker empowerment. Strengthening labor inspections, expanding union protections, and ensuring living wages are critical steps. Audits and certifications must evolve to include broader supply chain coverage and more rigorous oversight. Meanwhile, multi-stakeholder initiatives should transition from voluntary pledges to enforceable commitments. Only through sustained and coordinated action can the industry address the deep-seated labor rights violations that persist today.