Apple & Foxconn Broke Labor Law for iPhones
Apple, together with its manufacturing partner, Foxconn violated a Chinese labor rule. The two firms are using too many temporary staff in the world’s largest iPhone factory. In addition to that, the companies confirmed this after a report about them with allegedly harsh working conditions.
And these claims were from China Labor Watch, who issued the report before an Apple event on Tuesday to announce new iPhones. The non-profit advocacy group is investigating conditions in Chinese factories. Aside from that, it has found out other alleged labor rights violations by Apple partners in the past.
Recently, CLW stated undercover investigators worked in Zhengzhou plant of Foxconn in China. And this includes a person employed for four years. Then, one of the main findings is the Temporary staff, also known as dispatch workers. Also, they made up around 50% of the workforce in August. In the Chinese labor law, it stipulates a maximum of 10%, according to CLW.
Apple and Foxconn Side
After conducting the investigation, Apple explained that it found the dispatch workers’ percentage exceeding its standards. And as of now, it is working carefully with Foxconn to resolve the matter. Also, Foxconn Technology Group confirmed the violation after an operational review.
For years, the supply chain of Apple never stopped facing criticism regarding its poor labor standards. And the firm had encouraged its manufacturing partners to have better factory conditions or risk losing business. But suppliers and assemblers are always attempting to churn out more handsets. Formally called as Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Foxconn, employed tens of thousands of temporary workers. And they did this to boost production and meet iPhone demand during the key holiday season every year.
CLW stated in its report, “Our recent findings on working at Zhengzhou Foxconn highlights several issues.” And these “are in violation of Apple’s own code of conduct.” It also added that Apple has the power to make fundamental improvements to the working conditions along its supply chain. However, it is currently transferring costs from the trade war through its suppliers to workers and profiting from the exploitation of Chinese workers.
