A recent investigation done on Apples manufacturing plant has found many significant problems with the plant. Those working at the Foxconn plant were subject to long hours, poor pay, and unsafe work conditions. The FLA (US Fair Labor Association) cited Apple with these findings. Apple in turn has vowed to reduce work hours, protect pay, and improve staff moral. Last year multiple suicides were reported at the factory, putting a somewhat spotlight on the working conditions. The investigation found that some workers were working more than 60 hour weeks with no days off. Another finding was that any over time worked was not paid for and that there were multiple health and safety risks. The monthly salary at the factory ranged from $360-455 a month. Foxconn since has risen the workers salaries by 25%. By July 2013 the company has said to bring the working hours to that of Chinas; a 49 hour work week. In order for this transition to happen the company will hire thousands of more workers. This is easier said than done. Many other companies have made it clear on how doubtful Foxconn is committed to improving the working conditions of the factory. Foxconn is responsible for products such as Apple, Microsoft, Hewlett-Packard, and many others.
It seems to be the case the the only time these "sweat shops" care about improving working conditions is when they are caught. Cheap labor is something that is hard to come by but the fact remains that these workers aren't just a cheap work force but are boarder line slaves. Instead of allowing companies such a Foxconn to treat their works like they do, the Chinese government should implement a standard of working. Treating a worker like a slave isn't worth the price of a cheaper product. That's the biggest issue that companies around the world are forgetting.
Foxconn Factory Discovery
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