Apple Works to Increase Workplace Standards Among Suppliers
Posted by zduncan | Posted in Computer, Computer Accessories | Posted on 15-02-2011
Tags: Apple, Foxconn, Tim Cooke
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Apple just recently released a new report detailing the progress of its suppliers in maintaining a set of higher standards in social responsibility. According to this latest report, Apple conducted audits on 127 facilities the company uses around the world. Of those 127 facilities, 97 were new facilities that have never been audited while 30 facilities were repeat audits. It is true that a lot of different consumer electronics companies around the world use these same companies, but over 40% of them stated that Apple was the first company to audit their facilities.
Probably the most publicized supplier for Apple is Foxconn. Foxconn gained media attention after a rash of worker suicides took place at the facility last year. This obviously didn’t sit well with Apple, so in order to address the situation, COO of Apple Tim Cook was joined by suicide prevention specialists for a visit to the factory which is headquartered in Taiwan.
According to Apple, its team worked with the management team at Foxconn in order to ensure measures were established to prevent further suicides. An independent review was also commissioned for Foxconn’s facility. Reviewers interviewed over 1,000 workers about their quality of life at Foxconn. According to Apple’s report, Foxconn had nothing to do with the independent study.
In addition to the audits on the facilities, Apple said that more than 300,000 workers and 6,000 supervisors have been trained over the last two years in worker’s rights, labor laws and safety among other topics. According to Apple, they have been “aggressive in helping underage workers return to their families and get back to school.” If any underage workers are found, Apple said it requires the supplier to pay for the education expenses, a living stipend and lost wages for six months or until the worker turns 16, whichever is longer.
Source: cnet News – Apple reports on Foxconn, supplier workplace standards