Foxconn workers would rather get a raise than fewer hours
An independent survey conducted at Foxconn Chinese factories, one of the main Apple subcontractors of , highlighted the ” significant issues”, including excessive working hours and incorrectly paid.
In a statement issued Thursday, the Fair Labor Association (FLA) said it had “secured commitments” substantial from Apple “after a full and independent investigation which highlighted major problems in working conditions of three factories in China made by the prime contractor for Apple, Foxconn. “
A survey of “nearly a month showed excessive overtime and compensation problems in the overtime, the risks in terms of health and safety, critical shortcomings of communication that led to a widespread sense of conditions unsafe working among the workers, “said the FLA.
“The survey found that in particular the last twelve months, the three plants where problems were found to have exceeded both standards of 60 weekly hours of FLA (including overtime) and Chinese legal limits of 40 hours per week plus 36 additional hours maximum “ , details the statement.
“During periods of peak production, the average number of hours worked over 60 hours per week.There have been periods during which some employees have worked more than seven consecutive days without interruption 24 hours of required “ , he adds.
“Apple is committed to the association to” reduce working hours to legal limits while preserving their remuneration, to improve the health and safety and to offer (the workers) real opportunities to voice their grievances “ , adds the FLA.
“Apple and its subcontractor Foxconn have accepted our recommendations and we will monitor progress and to publicly” , said Auret van Heerden, the director general of the FLA, said in the statement. Foxconn has agreed to include its plants in full compliance with legal limits and Chinese standards of the FLA on working hours by July 2013, “according to a plan proposed by the association.
The FLA said he spent 3,000 hours to inspect a total of three plants and Foxconn have questioned 35,000 workers. The agency will continue to monitor working conditions in these factories to “verify the implementation” of the promises Apple.
The association was charged in mid-January by the California group to inspect the factories of its Chinese suppliers, including those of Foxconn, after being accused of leaving endure poor working conditions. The FLA has its members in universities, nonprofit organizations and businesses.
Foxconn workers would rather get a raise than fewer hours
