AppleInsider StaffApple Computer has begun "a thorough audit" of a Chinese manufacturing plant operated by Foxconn that makes its iPod digital music players, the company told Reuters.
"Apple has begun a thorough audit of the manufacturing plant operated by Foxconn in Longhua, China," said Apple spokesman Steve Dowling.
The audit will focus on "employee working and living conditions, interviews of employees and managers, compliance with overtime and wage regulations, and other areas as necessary to insure adherence to Apple's supplier code of conduct," Dowling added.
Monday was the first time Apple disclosed the details of the investigation, which it committed to last week.
For its part, Foxconn has denied any wrongdoing.
A spokesman for the company on Monday said there were "huge discrepancies" between the truth and the allegations in the Mail's report, which he called "vicious attack" on Foxconn.
The Taiwanese computer and electronics manufacturer maintains that its "employment practices are completely in accordance with the requirements of Shenzhen labor supervision departments."
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13 Comments
Go get 'em Apple. Put these rumors to rest.
Go get 'em Apple. Put these rumors to rest.
I would hope that if Apple finds these allegations to be true , that they pull the contract and find someone else to build iPods. The only way for companies to learn not to treat people as slave labor is to hit them in thier bottom line.
The report will find that while in general the local labor laws were adhered to, there have been some isolated instances in which low level managers have pushed things too far. These managers (AKA scapegoats) will be sacked and measures (AKA smokescreens) will be put in place to ensure these occasional excesses are not repeated.
It's an internal report (AKA - Public relations exercise).
The important thing is that something is seen to be done, that the story goes away and that everyone gets their ipods at the same price and same profit margin for Apple.
Prove me wrong Apple.
I don't know if Apple can easily change manufacturers, but they CAN do it--so I'm sure the threat will be used to enforce changes even if Apple can't just dump Foxconn cold.
Also, we may never know whether any intentional blind eye was turned before. But if the allegations were true, it's good they were brought to light and can now be improved.
The report will find that while in general the local labor laws were adhered to, there have been some isolated instances in which low level managers have pushed things too far. These managers (AKA scapegoats) will be sacked and measures (AKA smokescreens) will be put in place to ensure these occasional excesses are not repeated.
It's an internal report (AKA - Public relations exercise).
The important thing is that something is seen to be done, that the story goes away and that everyone gets their ipods at the same price and same profit margin for Apple.
Prove me wrong Apple.
OK, that is just really pessimistic and cynical!
But... I bet you're right. Oh, well.
I would hope that if Apple finds these allegations to be true , that they pull the contract and find someone else to build iPods. The only way for companies to learn not to treat people as slave labor is to hit them in thier bottom line.
Definitely, this is one of the only ways to do it other than legal action.