Foxconn India iPhone Plant: Protesters allege that food in Foxconn’s dormitories was stale.
Chennai:
The iPhone manufacturing facility in Sriperumbudur, operated by Apple supplier Foxconn outside Chennai, is undergoing Covid tests for female workers returning to work, as the plant plans to partially reopen on Wednesday, three weeks after being shut in the wake of major protests. making. its employees.
In December, nearly 4,000 women took to the streets after more than 250 Foxconn workers, mainly women, succumbed to food poisoning. Many were hospitalized.
At protest sites, he alleged that the food at Foxconn’s hostel was stale.
In addition, toilets were considered unhygienic and inadequate without running water. An investigation by NDTV reveals that many women avoid using toilets in these dormitories. They often waited until their shift started using the washroom at their work place.
Worse, up to a dozen of them were forced to share small rooms.
NDTV visited the hostel from a polytechnic hostel where new rooms are being allotted to Foxconn employees. The company claims that the features have been improved. Still, the occupants of those rooms have not commented on the conditions.
A woman administrative personnel told NDTV, “I come from a local place. We are resuming work tomorrow.” Asked if the situation had improved, he pointed to his colleagues and said, “Ask them.”
Although the protesters spoke to the media last month, many now say the rules do not allow them to speak.
After December protests exposed labor conditions at the Foxconn facility, which makes the latest models of the iPhone, Apple, the trillion-dollar company, placed its contractor on probation, demanding swift action.
In a statement issued shortly after the controversy began, Apple had said, “We will ensure that our strict standards are met before the feature reopens. We will continue to monitor the circumstances closely.”
The Tamil Nadu government also asked Foxconn to improve the facilities in its hostels and seek collector’s approval before reopening. In a statement, Foxconn’s Hon Hai said, “It has been corrective action, coupled with a rigorous monitoring system, to allow workers to raise concerns even anonymously.”
“We continue to support our employees and thank them for their patience as we work through the improvements,” it added.
Women’s rights activist and Indian Ambassador for Women Entrepreneurship Madhu Saran commented on the controversy: “There is a great need for infrastructure for women in work places, such as toilets, canteens, hostels. Regular monitoring by government, labor and law departments is needed. Is. “
Observers say, “The poor living conditions in Foxconn hostels have come as a major embarrassment to Apple, as has Foxconn. It is also being seen as a victory for ordinary female workers, who have expressed their plight.” brought to the attention of the world.”
Ms Saran said, “While Foxconn will gradually resume operations, many also see it as a wake-up call for other contract manufacturers working for global brands to organize their home “
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