Foxconn denies accusations of illegal working conditions in China

[News_Editor]

Foxconn denies accusations of illegal working conditions in China

2010-10-12 23:40:20 GMT+7 (ICT)

HONG KONG (BNO NEWS) -- Foxconn Technology Group in a statement has denied accusations that say the company abuses its workers, is engaged in illegal labor, and provides inadequate working conditions for its employees in China.

A series of workers' suicides this year sparked international concern regarding Foxconn's working conditions in its Chinese operations. In its aftermath, a group of researchers from 20 different universities in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan interviewed and surveyed around 1,800 Foxconn employees.

Accusations began reaching international media this weekend after the research was conducted. Some researchers even took up jobs at the company to experience the working environment.

"[Foxconn] strongly and categorically rejects reports in the Chinese and International media that are attributed to research by academics and students alleging worker abuse, illegal labor practices and unsafe working conditions," it said in regard to the study.

"Students and Scholars Against Corporate Misbehavior" (SACOM), a labor rights group based in Hong Kong, on Tuesday released a report describing the situation, saying that strict rules surround the environment with absolute obedience; employees' salaries suffer from reduced subsidiaries and bonuses; overtime exceeds legal limits; student interns are excessively used; and safety issues and accidents are not reported.

"We are responding to the media coverage because we believe it is important to correct these unsubstantiated allegations which many media outlets are treating as facts without giving our company an opportunity to present our side of the issue," Foxconn added in its statement.

Seventeen Foxconn employees have reportedly attempted to commit suicide, resulting in the death of 13 people. Foxconn is the world's largest electronics manufacturer and supplies international companies such as Apple, HP, and Dell with vital electronic components for their main products.

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