Prince McLean
Apple Computer sent a special team overseas to investigate claims of unfair work environments within the Chinese manufacturing facilities that build its iPod digital music players but has found no problems, says Foxconn, the owner of facilities.
The spokesperson said the company has paid its workers according to the minimum salary standards of the Shenzhen local government.
At the same time, the China CSR report — which is unclear in some of its source attributions — said the Taiwanese manufacturer is now admitting that its employees work about 80 extra hours each month, which would place it in violation of Chinese labor laws.
In China, a company is considered to have broken the law if it asks employees to work more than 36 extra hours each month, the report states.
However, Zong said Apple "sent a special team" to the site of the factories to investigate the matter, but "found no problem."
Foxconn had previously denied any claims of wrongdoing, saying it was in full compliance with Chinese labor laws.
Both Foxconn and Apple have come under scrutiny after Britain's The Mail on Sunday this month published an exclusive report based on a first-hand account from within Foxconn's factories.
The report alleged that Apple's iPods are built primary by female workers who labor 15-hour work days for as little as $50 a month. Some workers were reported to live in rooms occupied by 99 other employees and where visits from the outside world were prohibited.
Last week, Apple announced a probe into the matter.
"Apple is committed to ensuring that working conditions in our supply chain are safe, workers are treated with respect and dignity, and manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible," the company said.
Dormitory at Foxconn's E3 factory | Image copyright Mail on Sunday.
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26 Comments
YAY... This topic has gone out of order...
Does Adobe require anyone to sleep on company grounds in Adobe housing?
Adobe housing would be kinda cool though...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adobe
The thing that I find rather amusing, is when I saw the picture of 'military style exercise drills', I thought 'company provided calisthenics'.
Such things were compulsory and common in Japan in the 80s... a morning exercise routine was thought to wake every one up, and get them a minimum amount of exercise in their day. I can't really argue with it - if we had such a system here where I work, I can't say I'd complain.
Spin is everything though... tag it with 'military style', and you can guarantee a large segment of the readership will be up in arms. No pun intended. No secondary pun intended either.
I had the same thought when I read that caption. I guess most people out there don't remember the 1986 Michael Keaton comedy, "Gung Ho!"
Yeah, like Apple would admit to using people like slaves in military-style "factories". Denial ain't just a river in Egypt. Again.
Apple Computer sent a special team overseas to investigate claims of unfair work environments within the Chinese manufacturing facilities that build its iPod digital music players but has found no problems, says Foxconn, the owner of facilities.
According to a report by China CSR, Foxconn spokesperson Li Zong said the original equipment manufacturer's (OEM) complicated salary structure has caused misunderstanding among the media.
The spokesperson said the company has paid its workers according to the minimum salary standards of the Shenzhen local government.
At the same time, the China CSR report -- which is unclear in some of its source attributions -- said the Taiwanese manufacturer is now admitting that its employees work about 80 extra hours each month, which would place it in violation of Chinese labor laws.
In China, a company is considered to have broken the law if it asks employees to work more than 36 extra hours each month, the report states.
However, Zong said Apple "sent a special team" to the site of the factories to investigate the matter, but "found no problem."
Foxconn had previously denied any claims of wrongdoing, saying it was in full compliance with Chinese labor laws.
Both Foxconn and Apple have come under scrutiny after Britain's The Mail on Sunday this month published an exclusive report based on a first-hand account from within Foxconn's factories.
The report alleged that Apple's iPods are built primary by female workers who labor 15-hour work days for as little as $50 a month. Some workers were reported to live in rooms occupied by 99 other employees and where visits from the outside world were prohibited.
Last week, Apple announced a probe into the matter.
"Apple is committed to ensuring that working conditions in our supply chain are safe, workers are treated with respect and dignity, and manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible," the company said.
Dormitory at Foxconn's E3 factory | Image copyright Mail on Sunday.
Military-style drills on the roof top at Foxconn | Image copyright Mail on Sunday.
[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]
Do we really know those photos are legit?
And I assume the line about working 80 hours a MONTH is a typo? Most people would kill to work that little.