Trocaire and the Irish Congress of Trade Unions have begun a joint campaign to highlight the conditions of toy factory workers around the world, particularly in south-east Asia. The organisations claim that toy workers in many countries are forced to work excessive hours for as little as 60p a day. Workers find it difficult to speak out, as trade unions are frequently banned or severely restricted, they say.
"We are not calling for a boycott. Toy workers need their jobs. We are asking shoppers to use their consumer power to call for a fairer deal for the toy workers", said Ms Caoimhe de Barra, of Trocaire.