Labor watchdog claims Apple’s Chinese suppliers ‘still exploiting workers’

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Washington, Feb 28: A labor watchdog group has accused three of Apple’s Chinese suppliers of inhumane worker conditions, a report has said.

Student and Scholars Against Corporate Misbehavior (SACOM), in its report, said Apple has so far failed in its responsibility to monitor its Chinese suppliers for worker violations.

The three suppliers, Foxlink, Pegatron, and Wintek, fail to provide for basic human needs and continue to use student workers, according to SACOM.

SACOM’s report asserts that some conditions have worsened due in part to heavier demand for Apple products, CNET reports.

The suppliers have also increased their use of so-called student interns, the watchdog said.

Working with vocational training companies, the factories bring in students to supplement their workforce, which SACOM said deprives them of their “right to a quality education.”

It said forced overtime continues to be imposed on factory workers, who sometimes put in as many as 14 hours a day with only one or two days off for three months at a stretch.

According to the report, SACOM said that factory conditions are also hazardous.

Excessive noise, dust, and potentially dangerous chemicals are used on the factory floors, but workers are not told of the possible risks, it said.

Finally, workers are often verbally abused by supervisors and warned to keep quiet or face salary cuts, the report added. (ANI)