Foxconn and Apple Improve Conditions

The New York Times: In the past, Apple and its supplier Foxconn have come under harsh criticism for working conditions at Foxconn’s Chinese factories, but The Fair Labor Association says they are making steady improvements. Foxconn has already reduced average overtime to less than 20 hours per week and says that it plans to decrease overtime to less than 9 hours per week. However, the reduced hours makes it difficult for the company to attract workers. “It is a challenge,” said Foxconn’s Louis Woo. “When we reduce overtime, it means we need to hire more people and implement more automation, more investment on robotic engineering. More workers also mean more dormitories and recreational facilities. It takes time.”

Apple spokesperson Steve Dowling noted, “We’ve been making steady progress in reducing excessive work hours throughout our supply chain. We track working hours weekly for over 700,000 workers and currently have 97 percent compliance with the 60-hour maximum workweek specified in our code of conduct.”