Everybody has heard of how crappy Apple supplier Foxconn treats their workers. Long hours. Low pay. Shoddy conditions. Working at a Foxconn factory is in no way glamorous and wonderful, and it looks like even Foxconn is ready to admit as much. In an effort to reshape their image, Foxconn’s Shenzhen factory is looking to hire a Saftey and Security Officer and a Lifestyle Services Manager to make life a little bit more fabulous for their workforce.
“Yes we are hiring these positions,” said Louis Woo, chairman of Foxconn’s retail division, declining to comment further. Foxconn, the world’s largest custom manufacturer of electronics, employs more than 1.2 million people in 18 countries, most of them in China. In addition to Apple, customers include Microsoft Corp., Sony Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co. and Dell Inc.
The new positions are among 20 other recent openings that appear to signify that Foxconn and Apple are still working providing better conditions to workers.
So what does a “Lifestyle Services Manager” do exactly? Basically, they’re suppose to ensure that the workers’ quality of life is fair and enjoyable within reason. Don’t expect them to bust out some fine Russian caviar and super-fun jump houses during break time though. The Lifestyle Manager will be responsible for conditions at the company’s dormitories, canteens and health departments – basically making sure that employees are treated more like humans rather than expendable slave workers that are quickly discarded when they don’t reach insane quotas.
It’s great to see Foxconn and Apple do more to make working conditions better. Even though they’re doing more than any other tech company, Apple and Foxconn need to give employees a big dose of fabulous. I mean, these are the guys making my wonderful technological dreams come true. The least we could give them is a free iPhone, a weekly mani/pedi, and a clean spacious place to sleep at night.
[via Bloomberg]