Apple issues statement on Foxconn explosion

We can't blame an explosion on Chinese manufacturing, but I sure do wish our country's companies would stop sending jobs overseas and start manufacturing again here.

What caused it is probably Apple's greed and exploitation of Chinese cheap labor. Them wanting to own production, own supply, control demand, maximize profits and minimize expense.

I'm not suggesting Apple invented the idea to "Make in China", or that Apple is the only one making in China. I just think that if Apple wants to bloat about themselves being the biggest brand in consumer electronics, they should also have extra more responsibility towards the working conditions for the workers in China, and they should voluntarily suggest that the consumer electronics industry should pay the Chinese workers a larger share of the global CE industry profits. This way Chinese workers can get better salaries, better working conditions, shorter working hours, more holidays and better worker safely.

Andre:

I doubt any of those companies are much interested in leadership. I would be pleasantly surprised to see any of these enterprises take a stand on working conditions for the supply chain.

But this is an Apple site. So my message is directed to Apple.

Failure to act is a failure of leadership. And that goes for Acer, Amazon, et al, as well as Cupertino.

It's about time Apple applied the same high standards to it's supply chain as it applies to its products.

Most of the Asian tech partners are sweat shop operations. While not directly responsible for those conditions, Apple has a great deal of leverage on how they operate. And this explosion is not just some isolated incident.

http://www.wired.com/magazine/2011/02/ff_joelinchina/

"We are deeply saddened by the tragedy at Foxconn's plant in Chengdu, and our hearts go out to the victims and their families."

Then do something about it. Every time one of these "tragedies" occurs, every time a Foxconn employee commits suicide because the conditions are intolerable, Apple gets a black eye.

Want to be a leader in your business? It's not just about profits. It's about people too. Get this fixed...soon.