The locomotive and rolling stock sector plays a crucial role in driving the green transition. Over the past two decades, Chinese manufacturers have expanded rapidly in this field due to preferential policies at home and increased demand from metro and high-speed train projects driven by urbanisation. This research report systematically explores labour rights violations and the industry’s connection to state-imposed forced labour in China. Findings pinpoint material risks but also uncover the mechanisms and practices behind them.
The report is divided into two parts, each based on different research methods. The first part focuses on social media posts from employees and student interns in the locomotive and rolling stock sector. It identifies risks and documents labour and human rights violations. The second part uses company registries, government websites, and news outlets to map specifically state-imposed forced labour risks.
The investigation reveals worsening working conditions for workers since the Covid-19 outbreak in autumn 2019. The ongoing economic downturn in China is expected to further increase human rights risks. The report also identifies multiple relations between the locomotive and rolling stock supply chain on the one hand and state-imposed forced labour on the other, thereby urging foreign brands and suppliers to observe heightened human rights due diligence.