What are the working conditions at Foxconn?

Due to Foxconn’s rapid production lines, demanding employee targets and long working hours, it was accused of forcing its workers to endure “sweat shop” conditions. It was these conditions that led to a spate of worker suicides and protests during 2010 and 2012.

Has Foxconn improved working conditions?

Apple supplier Foxconn has steadily improved the working conditions at three of its Chinese factories following a February audit, by reducing employee overtime work and updating maintenance policies and safety procedures, a labor group said on Tuesday. Together, the three factories employ close to 180,000 workers.

How does Foxconn treat their employees?

They keep their employees in overcrowded dormitories run by military-like security forces. People work excessive hours, often with no compensation for overtime, which the company claims is done voluntarily. Management controls every aspect of workers’ lives, interfering with their privacy.

What is it like to work at Foxconn?

Foxconn employees we spoke to described work at the factory as mundane but hardly overwhelming — more boring and repetitive than anything else. “The employees always say the people outside want a job,” one employee told CNET. “And the people inside want to quit.”

What are the concerns about working conditions at Foxconn?

The tragic death returns to prominence concerns about the working conditions at Foxconn. Critics and labor advocates have long argued that Foxconn imposes excessive overtime and pressure on workers, particularly at busy times such as the ramp up to new iPhone launches.

Why did Foxconn put nets outside their buildings?

Foxconn has previously installed nets outside its buildings to prevent workers from jumping to their deaths. The company was recently in the news when it was reported that high school student interns worked illegal overtime building the iPhone X.

Are there any suicides in the Foxconn factory?

“Foxconn is not a sweatshop,” Jobs said. “It’s a factory. But they’ve had some suicides and attempted suicides – and they have 400,000 people there. The rate is under what the U.S. rate is, but it’s still troubling.” Foxconn has previously installed nets outside its buildings to prevent workers from jumping to their deaths.

What did Steve Jobs say about suicides at Foxconn?

In the aftermath, then-CEO Steve Jobs called the suicide rate “troubling,” but defended Foxconn. “Foxconn is not a sweatshop,” Jobs said. “It’s a factory. But they’ve had some suicides and attempted suicides – and they have 400,000 people there. The rate is under what the U.S. rate is, but it’s still troubling.”