After investigation by a third-party organization, it was believed that the labor environment of Foxconn's mainland factory is far better than other enterprises. According to a report released at 0:00 on February 16, Beijing time by Sina Technology News, a person in charge of the American non-profit organization Fair Labor Association (FLA) claimed that the working conditions of Foxconn factories in mainland China are much better than those of clothing and other industry factories in other parts of China. The problem here is not high pressure or harsh conditions, but merely repetitive and boring work.
The FLA has begun to investigate the working conditions of Apple's eight largest suppliers in China. Previously, Foxconn, one of Apple's suppliers, had been exposed for a series of negative news stories such as worker suicides by jumping off buildings, factory explosions, and "slave-like" terrible working conditions.
FLA President Auret van Heerden said that a dull and isolated environment may lead to mental depression among some employees, which ultimately drives them to take their own lives.
In addition to Foxconn, the FLA will also investigate other "notorious" Apple product suppliers notorious for poor regulatory operations, including Quanta Computer, Pegatron, and Wintek.
Van Heerden stated after completing the preliminary investigation of Foxconn: "Foxconn factories are first-class factories, and their material conditions far exceed the average level of the conventional industry."
He said: "When I walked into the Foxconn factory, I was surprised by what I saw. Compared to garment processing plants, it was so quiet here! We are not investigating the high-intensity work and high-temperature environments commonly found in garment processing plants... The problem here is more likely due to a dull and isolated environment."
He particularly pointed out that as early as the 1990s, the FLA began addressing the issue of worker suicides in Chinese factories. He indicated: "These factories have hired many young people, most of whom come from remote rural areas, with many being away from home for the first time. They transition from a rural lifestyle to an industrial lifestyle, which is a drastic change. These young workers often feel very shocked. They frequently need some emotional support but often do not receive it. Many factories fail to recognize this need from the start."
Van Heerden also denied that the FLA is attempting to shape a positive image for Apple's suppliers. He emphasized that all companies joining the FLA must strictly adhere to commitments, and the actions of the FLA are supervised by non-governmental organizations and over 200 universities. The investigation results will not be swayed by various interests.
The FLA is an organization established under the call of former US President Bill Clinton in 1996, aimed at reducing the number of global sweatshops. Members of the FLA board include executives from companies like Nike and Adidas.
Van Heerden stated: "Apple didn't have to join the FLA because its system is very strict, including secret visits, full freedom of investigation, and public release of reports."
He added: "If Apple wanted to solve problems through a faster method, they had many options. But their decision to join the FLA shows that they truly value these issues."
Currently, about 30 members of the FLA are conducting investigations at two Foxconn factories located in Shenzhen and Chengdu. Each factory employs approximately 100,000 workers, but not all of them are involved in producing Apple products.
In the next three weeks, about 35,000 workers will participate in anonymous questionnaire surveys, answering a series of questions via iPads. These questions will include:
- How were the workers recruited?
- Have they received their wages?
- Does the factory provide and sign employment contracts with the workers? Are the workers aware of the contract content?
- What are the workers' living and dining conditions like?
- If the workers have any complaints, does the factory respond?
- What is the emotional and mental health status of the workers?
The FLA will release an interim report in early March, while the final report will clearly indicate the items that suppliers need to improve and provide corresponding suggestions. (Lin Jing)
Relevant reports:
Labor association investigates the Foxconn plant site; final report to be published within 3 days.
Labor organizations investigate Foxconn's Shenzhen and Chengdu factories; independence questioned.
Apple investigates Foxconn; will visit thousands of employees.
Foxconn confirms the visit of the American Labor Association.
Sina Technology Official Weibo Recommendation