Apple Opens Supplier Factory Doors to Monitors
Author: Leanne Westphal on January 15, 2012 - 9:54 PM
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After admitting that there have been
problems with treatment of workers by some of its suppliers, Apple
Computer made the decision to open its supplier factory doors to
independent monitors. One plant in China has been hit by reports of
multiple suicides by workers. The pressure continued to grow, as many
detailed questions about worker conditions at plants that build iPhones
and iPads remained unanswered. On Friday, Apple decided to disclose
its supplier lists and announced that it would allow monitoring of the
plants by an independent labor rights organization.
An internal supply chain audit revealed that Apple’s standard
requirements of 60 hour work week maximum and a minimum of one day off
per week are followed by only 38 percent of its suppliers. Negligence
in managing hazardous materials as well as injury prevention was
attributed one-third of its suppliers for both categories. Apple
stated that child labor is not practiced by any of its final assembly
suppliers. "We will continue regular audits and go even deeper into
our supply chain to ensure that there are no underage workers at any
Apple supplier," a company report stated. The latest Supplier
Responsibility report from Apple indicates that 229 audits were
performed thorough out the supply chain in 2011, which represents an
increase of 80 percent in audits conducted since 2010. Apple says that
it will now support an independent investigation on worker conditions
at suppliers by the Fair Labor Association (FLA). "With the benefit of
the FLA's experience and expertise, we will continue to drive
improvements for workers and provide even greater transparency into our
supply chain," said Jeff Williams, Apple's Senior VP of Operations.
Related Link:
http://www.smh.com.au/technology/technology-news/apple-admits-supplier-abuse-of-workers-20120116-1q1wt.html
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