I feel like there's been a lot of Apple hate over this issue, as if Apple is somehow responsible for the almost* unethical treatment of factory workers in the production of their products. TBH, I really could care less about this or Apple, but since this can apply to any company, not just apple, I feel it needs some clarification for those less informed so I don't have to keep reading the crap.
*Almost depends on your definition of ethical and your interpretation of class, social systems, and society; its different for everyone
It seems like a lot when the media makes a fuss about every one but, if you consider that Foxconn employs something like 800,000 people, 10 isn't out of the ordinary.
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/foremski/...-foxconn-significantly-cuts-suicide-risk/1356
First of, this. Entirely true. Statistics are statistics people. A certain percentage will kill themselves for various causes, thus is life. While reasons are varied (in this case, death payout), it all falls in line statistically, so where's the fire?
Second, as other more intelligent forum members have pointed out; the whole reason for the suicides was the funeral and death compensation,
NOT being overworked. ~$10k USD is a pretty decent setup for your poverty stricken family in China, hence as another user posted, as the benefits go up, suicides go up. Once again, this is life, not some "evil" corporations fault. Oh, did you also know that these manufacturing facilities are having a harder time hiring people? The great labor pool is starting to lessen, and with that comes competition for workers and a naturally occurring higher salary. In other words, these workers aren't forced to be here as much as they used to; its becoming more and more by choice, just like with their overtime.
Third, lets talk about work conditions. Are they mistreated? No, not really. Are they forced to work those hours? No, not at all. Are they voluntarily putting in these hours to support their families? Yes. Where's the problem? Its no different from people taking multiple jobs... instead you get all your hours at one facility.
Oh, another thing, the n-Hexane-- this isn't any corporations fault, its the manufacturers. Contracts don't stipulate outer companies running the day to day operations of another independent company-- these factories simply supply a service via their own means. That's all upon the manufacturer, which appears to be taking care of it.
/rant.
Oh, and smallwhitecar is entirely right about the publicity thing; if Foxconn raises wages then the contract price and product price goes up, whereas if Apple instead pays the wage increases through the profit of the initial decreased cost, they look far far better. The money comes from the same place regardless, and Apple still makes less of a margin (unless they raise prices), the only difference is the public face.
EDIT: Oh, another thing. You guys do realize that there's at least 12 other companies that have products manufactured by Foxconn, right? Notice the lack of a media blitz on them? No percentage paybacks, no inquiries... nothing. But its all Apple's fault, right?
product lines.
