Canyon, Bianchi, Scott & Co: Investigation Uncovers Forced Labor in Taiwan for High-End Bicycle Brands
3 minute readPublished: Friday, May 23, 2025 at 11:24 am
Bicycle Industry Faces Scrutiny: Forced Labor Allegations in Taiwan
The global bicycle market, a $66 billion industry, is under fire following an investigation by Le Monde Diplomatique. The report alleges widespread forced labor practices in Taiwanese factories that manufacture parts for major bicycle brands like **Bianchi, Canyon, Centurion, Giant, and Merida**.
The investigation reveals that migrant workers, primarily from Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines, are subjected to exploitative conditions. These workers are often burdened with exorbitant recruitment fees, sometimes reaching thousands of dollars, just to secure a job. This debt, coupled with confiscated passports and restricted wage access, traps them in a cycle of debt bondage.
Factories, including those operated by Giant and Merida, are accused of providing substandard living conditions, including overcrowded and unsanitary dormitories. Minor infractions can lead to wage deductions, further exacerbating the workers' financial struggles.
While some brands, such as Giant, have pledged to eliminate recruitment fees for new hires starting in 2025, and European brands like Bianchi and Canyon have vowed to improve working conditions, the issue of existing debt bondage remains largely unaddressed. Some companies, including Merida, have been slow to respond or have refused to commit to retroactive compensation.
The investigation highlights the complex relationship between manufacturers, recruitment agencies, and the Taiwanese government, which benefits from the industry's success. The EU and the U.S. are taking steps to ban imports of goods produced with forced labor, with the EU's ban set to take effect in 2027.
BNN's Perspective: While it's encouraging to see some brands taking steps to address these issues, the slow pace of change and the lack of comprehensive solutions for existing workers are concerning. The industry needs to prioritize ethical sourcing and ensure fair labor practices throughout its supply chain. Consumers should be aware of the potential ethical implications of their purchases and demand transparency from brands.
Keywords: bicycle industry, forced labor, Taiwan, migrant workers, Bianchi, Canyon, Centurion, Giant, Merida, recruitment fees, debt bondage, ethical sourcing, supply chain, labor exploitation, working conditions, bicycle manufacturing.