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Labour Officials visit Foxconn iPhone plant over alleged discriminatory hiring
Industry News- Jul 04,24
Foxconn has denied allegations of employment discrimination based on marital status, gender, religion, or any other form.
Indian labour officials recently inspected a Foxconn factory near Chennai to investigate allegations of discriminatory hiring practices against married women. This follows a source report that claimed Foxconn systematically excluded married women from iPhone assembly jobs, sparking government inquiries and public debates on workplace discrimination and labour laws.
A five-member team from the federal government's regional labour department visited the Foxconn factory on July 1. They questioned company directors and human resources officials about their hiring practices. According to A. Narasaiah, the regional labour commissioner, the team is collecting information and has requested documents on company policies, recruitment practices, and compliance with labour laws, including details on maternity and retirement benefits.
Foxconn has stated that their factory employs 41,281 people, including 33,360 women, of whom about 8% (2,750) are married. However, they did not provide specific data on staffing in iPhone assembly, where the alleged discrimination was reported. Labour inspectors interviewed 40 married women at the plant, none of whom reported discrimination.
The investigation follows a directive from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government, requesting detailed reports from state officials and the Regional Chief Labour Commissioner’s office after the source report. The report found that Foxconn excluded married women from assembly jobs due to concerns about family responsibilities, pregnancy, and higher absenteeism. During high-production periods, however, Foxconn reportedly relaxed this practice.
The allegations have sparked debates on TV channels, newspaper editorials, and calls from opposition figures and women's groups, including members of Modi's party, to investigate the matter. Both Apple and Foxconn have acknowledged lapses in hiring practices in 2022 and claimed to have addressed these issues. However, the source documented discriminatory practices continuing in 2023 and 2024, which the companies did not address.
Foxconn, also known as Hon Hai Precision Industry, has denied allegations of employment discrimination based on marital status, gender, religion, or any other form. Apple has stated that all its suppliers, including Foxconn, hire married women and that they have conducted monthly audits to ensure compliance with high standards.
While Indian law does not explicitly prohibit hiring discrimination based on marital status, both Apple and Foxconn’s policies forbid such practices in their supply chains.
(Source: Reuters & ET)
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Iphone manufacturing
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