A Chinese labor watchdog has accused Foxconn, Apple’s largest iPhone supplier, of delayed wages, excessive use of temporary staff, and discrimination against women and minorities at its massive Zhengzhou facility. The claims revive long-standing concerns about conditions in Apple’s supply chain, despite the company’s pledges to enforce higher labor standards.
Violations of Chinese Labor Law
According to China Labor Watch (CLW), Foxconn relied on temporary “dispatch workers” for more than half of its workforce during peak iPhone production. Chinese law limits such workers to 10%. These employees allegedly faced delayed wages designed to discourage them from quitting mid-season. CLW also reported systemic discrimination, claiming that hiring apps rejected minority applicants and that pregnant women were barred through mandatory x-ray screenings.
Apple and Foxconn Respond
Apple said teams are already on-site investigating the allegations. “We are firmly committed to the highest standards of labor, human rights, environmental, and ethical conduct,” the company stated. Foxconn defended its record, calling itself “an equal opportunity employer” and noting it has undergone independent audits for two years. The company rejected claims of discrimination and said it remains committed to compliance and transparency.
Some Signs of Progress
While the report painted a grim picture, CLW did note slight improvements. Average overtime hours have decreased, and no evidence of underage workers was found. Some workers interviewed outside the factory told the Financial Times that conditions at Foxconn were better than those at other companies. Still, the watchdog insists “core labor issues remain,” highlighting the fragile balance between production demands and worker rights.
A History of Scrutiny
Foxconn has faced repeated controversies, including a major worker riot at the Zhengzhou plant in 2022 over poor conditions. The latest report underscores how Apple’s supply chain, despite global attention, continues to rely on what CLW calls a “vast, disposable workforce.”
