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SmokeNoMore
We can demonize Apple if we wish. Apple is just one of many US corporations ...
BobDJr
Did anyone else notice that at least 3 workers in the photograph have their red ...
Foxconn admits hiring underage workers
Dylan McGrath
10/16/2012 1:05 PM EDT
String of controversies
Foxconn, the largest private sector employer in China, has been involved in a number of controversies over the last few years stemming from worker unrest and allegations of unfair labor practices. Last month, Foxconn temporarily closed one of its manufacturing facilities in the city of Taiyuan after a riot there. In 2010, Foxconn came under international scrutiny after a string of worker suicides at its plants linked to low pay and poor working conditions.
In January, Apple bowed to public pressure over working conditions at Foxconn and joined the Fair Labor Association (FLA), a watchdog group that independently assesses and monitors working conditions in factories around the world. Apple was the first technology company to join the group.
In March, the FLA issued its first report on Foxconn, detailing "significant issues" with working conditions at three Foxconn factories in China. The FLA said at the time that it secured commitments from Foxconn to reduce working hours to legal limits while protecting pay, improve health and safety conditions and establish a "genuine voice" for workers.
In August, the FLA published a status report verifying that Foxconn was honoring these commitments.
"Our verification shows that the necessary changes, including immediate health and safety measures, have been made," said Auret van Heerden, FLA's president and CEO, in a statement. "We are satisfied that Apple has done its due diligence thus far to hold Foxconn accountable for complying with the action plan, including the commitment to reform its internship program."
Related stories:
Foxconn, the largest private sector employer in China, has been involved in a number of controversies over the last few years stemming from worker unrest and allegations of unfair labor practices. Last month, Foxconn temporarily closed one of its manufacturing facilities in the city of Taiyuan after a riot there. In 2010, Foxconn came under international scrutiny after a string of worker suicides at its plants linked to low pay and poor working conditions.
In January, Apple bowed to public pressure over working conditions at Foxconn and joined the Fair Labor Association (FLA), a watchdog group that independently assesses and monitors working conditions in factories around the world. Apple was the first technology company to join the group.
In March, the FLA issued its first report on Foxconn, detailing "significant issues" with working conditions at three Foxconn factories in China. The FLA said at the time that it secured commitments from Foxconn to reduce working hours to legal limits while protecting pay, improve health and safety conditions and establish a "genuine voice" for workers.
In August, the FLA published a status report verifying that Foxconn was honoring these commitments.
"Our verification shows that the necessary changes, including immediate health and safety measures, have been made," said Auret van Heerden, FLA's president and CEO, in a statement. "We are satisfied that Apple has done its due diligence thus far to hold Foxconn accountable for complying with the action plan, including the commitment to reform its internship program."
Related stories:
- Tablet craze a boon to contract manufacturers
- Foxconn Plant Closed After Riot, Company Says
- Teardown: Inside Apple's iPhone 5
- Foxconn confirms male employee found dead
- Yoshida in China: Workers can't afford products they make
- Yoshida in China: If not China, there is always Indonesia
- Could Apple play the 'Made in the USA' card, too?
- China speed vs. China quality
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goafrit
10/16/2012 1:46 PM EDT
It is strange how the world continues to support Apple and Foxconn on this.
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goafrit
10/16/2012 1:46 PM EDT
Yes, we buy the iPhone and iPad
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tthappy
10/17/2012 7:52 AM EDT
Apple is a monster in china
I onced worked in shenzhen for producing apple products
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m00nshine
10/17/2012 9:01 AM EDT
Analogy statement:
Apple/foxconn/ipad/iPhone is like DeBeers/blood diamonds/sierra leone.
Highly profitable, monopoly, cartel, questionable business practice, human rights abuses, and environmental damage.
Everyone is outraged, but we still buy diamonds and we still buy iPhones, and there is no regulation or motivation for Apple or DeBeers to change.
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Frank Tu
10/17/2012 11:03 AM EDT
The crime is that Apple is even mentioned in this article. Clearly Apple has nothing to do with anything about this incident.
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BobDJr
10/17/2012 12:30 PM EDT
Did anyone else notice that at least 3 workers in the photograph have their red safety glasses pushed up on their foreheads? Thus affording them no eye protection? (Maybe the person in the yellow suit saw them just after the photo was taken & fixed it.)
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SmokeNoMore
10/17/2012 12:59 PM EDT
We can demonize Apple if we wish. Apple is just one of many US corporations that make TONS of profits based on near-slave labor.
Let's dissect the average engineer "uniform". Polo shirt, Dockers and Rockport shoes. You think the Sri-Lankan teen that stitches your Dockers gets 2 weeks paid vacation? How about the Vietnamese mother of two that crafts your Polo shirt while her 2 kids huddle under the sewing table - you think she gets time off for child care? Lastly, the poor saps in China that breath in large quantities of rubber cement to make your Rockports - you think they get medical checkups?
So blame Apple if you want... but the real person to blame is the consumer that tolerates bad corporate behavior.
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