Qantas launches probe amid claims of 'abused' Chinese prison labour in supply chain

Qantas has launched probe into claims which state that in-flight headphones that the airlines purchases are made by abused Chinese inmates who are regularly beaten and held in solitary confinement if they failed to meet the production targets.

The airlines has claimed that it is 'very concerned' about the allegations and has immediately suspended dealings with its main supplier Vietnam-based Airphonics who is accused of contracting out work to a third Chinese company which hired prison labours for the contract, the Sydney Morning Herald reports.

Two former inmates of the Dongguan Prison have alleged that they made headphones for a number of international airlines.

One of the inmates Danny Cancian said that he made disposable earphones for Qantas, British Airways and Emirates and said that those who failed meet production targets were 'taken outside and Tasered'

Cancian claimed that the inmates worked for 70 hours a week and were paid 1.40 dollars a month.

According to the report, the other companies denied having any knowledge of prison labour in their supply chain.

Meanwhile, Qantas spokesman said that the company had been given assurance by its main supplier meeting the rules and standards of the supply chain process which also include ethical treatment of workers.

The spokesman further said that the company has no relation with the Chinese based company at the centre of the claims of hiring prison labours for meeting the production requirement adding that the supply has been suspended by the company till investigation is carried out, the report added.