I have huge respect for both the BBC and Apple, so I find my loyalties rather divided. However, we must accept that Apple is by some measure the largest company in the world and that it eloquently and prominently wears its ethical credentials on its sleeve. Few companies, certainly those in manufacturing, make so much out of its ethical commitments and use those in part to increase revenues by boosting the "feel good factor" around its ecosystem.
It is only right that this is held up to scrutiny and another side of the story is presented for us to judge the evidence. Apple has made its achievements clear and the BBC is now presenting an alternative view, allowing us, as free citizens, to make up our own minds.
Personally, it is impossible to believe that by Western standards many of Pegatron's employees are treated entirely humanely and certainly not in a way that would prevent an American or an Englishman from complaining.
As to relying on a tenuous relativity to suggest that "by their standards" Asian workers lead a wonderful life, I think such a suggestion is just abhorrent, Western haughtiness that lacks any empathy and is certainly not ethical in the broadest sense of that word. "Treat others how you would wish to be treated" is the basic measure, by which Apple seem to have fallen short, however much a fan I am of their products and culture.
In any case, anything that encourages Apple to redouble its efforts to do right by its workers will hardly be an outrageous thing.
Those suggesting a British broadcaster should not "lecture" an "American" company should understand that the UK is Apple's second biggest market and that Europe is home to much of Apple's cash. Patriotism often leads people astray.
