Apple addressing reports of abuse of labor by Chinese suppliers.

[alfredo]

http://www.macnn.com/articles/06/06/13/ipod.labor.abuse.claims/


Apple looks into iPod labor abuse claims

Apple today responded to claims of labor abuse in its iPod factories, saying that it was investigating allegations working conditions in the iPod manufacturing plant in China. The company said it would not tolerate "any violations of its supplier code of conduct which are posted online. Apple is committed to ensuring that working conditions in our supply chain are safe, workers are treated with respect and dignity, and manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible," the company said in a statement obtained by Macworld UK, referencing its online supplier code of conduct.

Apple's code says that it "is committed to ensuring that working conditions in Apple’s supply chain are safe, that workers are treated with respect and dignity, and that manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible." The company says that Apple’s suppliers are obligated, in all of their activities, to operate in full compliance with the laws, rules and regulations of the countries in which they operate, but requires more from its suppliers.

"This Supplier Code of Conduct goes further, drawing upon internationally recognized standards, in order to advance social and environmental responsibility. Apple requires that its first tier suppliers implement this Code using the management systems described below," the company's statement reads.

Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct is modeled on and contains language from the Electronic Industry Code of Conduct and uses standards such as International Labour Organization Standards (ILO), Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Social Accountability International (SAI), and the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI). In part, the Apple says its suppliers must uphold the human rights of workers, to treat them with dignity and respect as understood by the international community. The code has sections on discrimination, harsh treatment and harassment, involuntary labor, child labor, working hours, renumeration, and freedom of association.



I will keep an eye out for further developments. I am glad they are responding in a positive fashion. Still I will track this story.

[Virginia Dare]

1. So, you open a factory...

in a country that is ruled by a brutally repressive government which has been known to commit human and labor rights abuses for years, and then you try and enforce a "code of conduct" after you receive claims of labor abuse?

:wtf:

[rman]

3. somewhere in between there fits "not paying attention to the store

over there even though it's your responsibility"

[Virginia Dare]

4. Sounds like...

they turned their backs, closed their eyes, crossed their fingers and hoped for the best.

And here I thought that all of this abuse was worth it so that Americans can get their "cheap" crap?

[alfredo]

5. Foxconn is the manufacturer, they are the ones running the show.

Apple has contracted them to supply products to their specifications. If Foxconn is not living up to their obligations in any way, Apple should demand a change or find another supplier that is willing to follow the contract.

Yes, Apple should have been more hands on in monitoring conditions. They should have full access for surprise audits of conditions of workers, finance, and quality control. Steve should go there himself and knuckle some heads.

[The Deacon]

2. I'd Be More Impressed

If they donated some of their obscene profits from this little $12.95 (cost) electronic gizmo to some of the workers who have already been raped by them & their Chinese stooges.
Or moved their production back to the U.S. Apple has always been all sizzle and no steak.

[alfredo]

6. The music industry needs to do the same. A CD costs about

60 cents to produce, but sells for $16-18 dollars. The artist gets very little if anything from the sale once the company gets its cut.