Apple faces the music

EMPLOYEE WELFARE       WORKING ENVIRONMENT       EMPLOYEE ABUSE

China – Apple has finally admitted it has a human rights problem, after years of complaints and worker suicides in China.

The tech giant has agreed to have an independent inspection by the Fair Labour Association (FLA) of its supply line in China. The Independent reported this can be considered an admission by Apple that it has failed to monitor working conditions.

“We believe workers everywhere have the right to a safe and fair work environment, which is why we have asked the FLA to independently assess the performance of our largest suppliers,” Tim Cook, Apple's chief executive, said. “The inspections now under way are unprecedented in the electronics industry.”

Apple’s Foxconn factory in China, where iPads are manufactured, has been plagued by complaints of horrible working conditions, leading to 13 attempted and successful suicides in 2010.

Workers at the plant have voiced out against low pay, long 10-hour shifts with only one break, and being made to stand for extended periods of time resulting in swollen legs. They also claim many of Foxconn’s dormitories, which house 70,000 workers, are overcrowded, and some have as many as 20 workers living in a single three-room apartment.

Additionally, there were two fatal explosions at the plant last year, one of which was caused by the ignition of dust released by polishing new iPads.

The FLA will ask workers about working and living conditions, including health and safety, pay and hours. They will also inspect the plant’s manufacturing areas, dormitories and other facilities.

However, not everyone is satisfied with Apple’s latest move. Campaign group China Labour Watch has dismissed it as a publicity stunt, after writing an open letter to Cook demanding Apple accept lower profits so suppliers can raise wages, increase headcount and improve safety.

“We already know what the conditions are like in the factories,” Fan Yuan, a China Labour Watch activist, said. “What Apple needs to do right now is take action to solve the problems. This move is not really about solving the problems, but rather about Apple getting publicity and rebuilding its positive image.”

This inspection comes on top of Apple’s yearly audits, which include a code of practice limiting the length of shifts and proper overtime pay. But the company's spot-checks exposes scores of violations at most suppliers.

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