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« Katie Couric to Bring Mainstream Network News to Internet | Main | Podcast Monetization in Action: About Launches Sponsored Medical Podcasts »iPods Built Under Unacceptable ConditionsAugust 18, 2006
Unacceptable conditions included dormitory style sleeping arrangements for workers where employees were stacked on bunks three high; employee wage schemes were overly complex, making dispute resolution difficult; "normal" 60-hour work weeks were exceeded 35% of the time and frequent 7-days work weeks. Fortunately, the company found no evidence of forced labor or child labor. Apple said that their supplier complies with most of their code of conduct, and is making changes to address violations. Nevertheless, Janek Kuczkiewicz, director of human and trade union rights at the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU), doesn't put to much stock in the report. "We are not impressed either by the report or by the findings of Apple," said Kuczkiewicz. "Apple interviewed just 100 people out of the estimated 30,000 iPod workers. We do not know the conditions in which the interviews were held. We have serious reservations about the report." Kuczkiewicz said Apple had not asked workers what they preferred - a decent wage or minimum wage and overtime. "We believe it is the workers' role to monitor standards. That has not happened at the Apple plant in China. "We would like to remind Apple there are other labour standards," added Kuczkiewicz, "freedom from discrimination, freedom of association and freedom to bargain collectively." via BBC CommentsPost a comment |
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Copyright 2004-5 Podcasting News
Apple admitted earlier today that iPods were being built in Chinese factories under conditions that