In a recent move, several Republican lawmakers have raised alarm bells to the Biden Administration concerning the solar industry’s alleged involvement in forced labor. While the industry itself has denied these allegations, the lawmakers maintain that the Biden Administration’s failure to take action is leaving open a road for continued exploitation of workers in nations such as China and Malaysia.
The issue was brought to the Biden Administration’s attention in April when 33 Republican U.S. Representatives signed a letter asking for the U.S. to scan into the industry’s “possible labor violations” outside the United States. The letter noted the long-term implications on the “alleged” labor violations in the solar industry and warned that potential violations of labor codes could have negative outcomes on the economy and labor opportunities in the global solar supply chain.
According to the letter, the alleged forced labor practices involve workers being paid less than the legal minimum wage, subjected to inhumane working conditions, and are often victims of human trafficking. The lawmakers maintain that Biden’s apparent inaction on the issue is sending a message to companies in the solar industry that they are free to continue exploiting workers without consequence, which is an unacceptable result for a nation that considers itself strong advocates of human rights.
The solar industry, however, has strongly denied any involvement in forced labor or other labor violations. Rhone Resch, president and CEO of the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA), released a statement denying any claims of labor violations and reiterated the SEIA’s commitment to workers’ rights and safety.
In spite of the solar industry’s claims, Republican lawmakers are urging the Biden Administration to take concrete steps to investigate and monitor the labor practices of the industry’s international contractors. They maintain that the Administration must remain vigilant in investigating any potential violations of labor codes to ensure that the solar industry is operating at the standard expected by the U.S. government.
In his response to the original letter, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said that the Biden administration is committed to protecting the “rights and dignity of workers” around the world. Psaki did not, however, address any specific actions that the Administration would take on the alleged labor violations within the solar industry.
This issue is yet another instance of American lawmakers pointing out a potential issue that the U.S. government is choosing to ignore, putting potential workers in danger of exploitation. As no specific action has yet been taken by the Biden Administration, it remains to be seen whether meaningful change will be implemented.