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Violent strike racks Apple's touchscreen supplier

Workers at a Wintek Corp factory in China have gone on strike this week, some of them destroying equipment, according to China Daily. Workers are reportedly protesting poor work conditions and alleged deaths from overexposure to toxic chemicals. The chemical in question, hexane, is used for cleaning touch panels. Wintek is the world's largest supplier of touch screens for mobile phones, including Apple's iPhone.

This isn't the first time labor disputes have arisen within Wintek. Last year, protesters gathered at Apple's offices in Taiwan to force Apple into pressuring Wintek to clean up alleged workplace labor and safety violations. Back then, protesters appeared to be using the popularity of Apple's brand name to get attention to their cause.This time things have unfortunately escalated to violence.

There's no immediate word on how the strike will affect Apple's supply of iPhone screens. We're hoping it ends in a manner that's beneficial to everyone.

[Via AppleInsider]

Workers at a Wintek Corp factory in China have gone on strike this week, some of them destroying equipment, according to China Daily....
 

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djfred

Yay for the workers. I'll let Apple slide once because it's just hard to keep up with but if they're ignoring an ongoing problem, they need to apply the screws to get them to shape up pronto or find another supplier.


Macintologist, I didn't know they let guys like you own macs.

I'd say I hope you lose yours, but I doubt you've ever had one. That answer reeks of a middle-aged virgin sleeping on a cot in his mothers basement listening to AM talk radio in a desperate attempt reassure himself that it's someone else's fault. Stay angry, friend. It's better than facing the reality that you were born luckier than 90% of the worlds population and screwed up anyway.

(Cue macintologist racing back to tell everyone he earned 6 figures last year and doesn't live in his mom's basement.)

January 18 2010 at 5:55 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
wheels

Wow, Rush Limbaugh reads TUAW. Who Knew?

January 18 2010 at 3:40 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
seanwillsalt

Here's hoping it ends in a manner beneficial to the workers. I'm sure the world can do without a few extra iPhones if it means better conditions for the strikers.

January 18 2010 at 3:27 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Blewyn

EVERYONE is entitled to a job !

January 18 2010 at 3:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to Blewyn's comment
Kyle Day

EVERYONE is entitled to a job? That is the most foolish and nanny-state mindset I could imagine.

Jobs are earned, not inherent rights or entitlements. Nobody is entitled to a job, but everyone should have the fair opportunity to apply themselves to EARN one...key words being "apply" and "earn".

This is a case of workplace safety and health concerns, and that is of serious concern. However, you are still wrong about entitlement to a job.

January 18 2010 at 7:22 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Blewyn

No, EVERYONE is entitled to a job. If you want your property rights respected, and all the land is owned, then some provision MUST be made for those who have nothing but the ability to work, or they have no choice to take what they need by force. Alternatively you can keep them on welfare, but I personally believe that this takes away their dignity and engagement with society (they don't play a role, or contribute).

January 18 2010 at 7:34 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Joseph



"If you don't like your work conditions then QUIT. No one is ENTITLED to a job."


WOW....that's a bit harsh!!!



Happy Martin Luther Day Tuaw :)

January 18 2010 at 3:21 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Ian

Or, if you want the price of your touchscreen device kept to an affordable level, have it made in hazardous conditions, which would be illegal in the US, in another country.

January 18 2010 at 3:17 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Macintologist

If you don't like your work conditions then QUIT. No one is ENTITLED to a job.

January 18 2010 at 3:03 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
4 replies to Macintologist's comment
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