In a four-month investigation of 10 of Apple’s Chinese suppliers, China Labor Watch has found what they call “deplorable” working conditions in many of the factories of Apple’s component manufacturers. These factories allegedly contain hazardous working conditions and excessive overtime.
According to the New York based company, these long work hours and low pay are commonly found throughout Apple’s supply chain, and not limited to a single supplier. Overall, 620 workers were surveyed, along with tours of various factories taken by a group of six people.
The continual push for better working conditions has prompted both Apple and Foxconn to take extra measures to increase on the job safety and working environment quality. According to the labor group, many of the Chinese employees worked in excess of 100 hours of overtime per month, even though the legal Chinese limit is 36.
Another interesting statistic found by China Labor Watch, although unsurprising, is that 70% of workers assembling these products do not own an Apple device, but many said they would like to have at least one.
It’s important to note that these working conditions are not unique to Apple only, though. Many other U.S. companies also have suppliers based in China who offer the same working conditions towards their employees. Apple often gets knocked for their working conditions, but the reality is that many other companies receive components from even the same plants as Apple.
Regardless, investigations like these, while sometimes over dramatized by the media, are slowly helping working conditions change for the better in China.
Source: China Labor Watch Via: The Telegraph
