Apple Inc. (AAPL) CEO Responds to Reports of Working Conditions at Supplier Factories

AAPL CEO Tim Cook

Reports about the treatment of workers at Apple Inc. (AAPL) Supplier factories in other countries surfaced on Thursday, revealing that the companies ignored many issues with their workers, many cases which led to suicide in a Foxconn factory. On Friday, AAPL CEO Tim Cook responded to the reports, suggesting that Apple takes any and all employee issues seriously and is now investigating and addressing any issues or concerns. 9to5Mac reported Tim Cook’s reponse on Apple’s efforts to oversee compliance with company standards for workers’ rights.

As a company and as individuals, we are defined by our values. Unfortunately some people are questioning Apple’s values today, and I’d like to address this with you directly. We care about every worker in our worldwide supply chain. Any accident is deeply troubling, and any issue with working conditions is cause for concern. Any suggestion that we don’t care is patently false and offensive to us. As you know better than anyone, accusations like these are contrary to our values. It’s not who we are.

Cook also goes on to thank employees who are focusing and helping with these issues and that Apple is taking this very seriously and will continue to increase its efforts.

We will continue to dig deeper, and we will undoubtedly find more issues. What we will not do — and never have done — is stand still or turn a blind eye to problems in our supply chain. On this you have my word.

The New York Times has also gathered statements from Chinese readers, who suggest that this issue is not specific to Apple and is rather a widespread issue, which should be addressed with governmental regulations. This issue appears to be very prevalent in manufacturing factories, such as Apple’s Foxconn supplier and many other companies who outsource manufacturing.

{via Mac Rumors}

5 Comments on “Apple Inc. (AAPL) CEO Responds to Reports of Working Conditions at Supplier Factories”

    1. Khun J&T

           Sure……. why not pay employees $100 a day rather than $2.  That would be a stupid move.  U.S. companies could then not compete price wise with the rest of the world resulting in even higher unemployment. 
           The USA is in an economic hole because the government spends too much, not because tech companies out source their manufacturing needs.  American people need to replace everyone in Washington and put in people who will not work for their own interests, but for the country.

  1. Anonymous

    Apple has the ability and the influence to make a difference. I don’t expect 6 hour work days and full health insurance for every worker, but i would like it if they got breaks at least every four hours, no days longer than 16 hours and at least one 24 hour day off for every six worked.  I’ve worked shifts like this when I was younger and it’s not fun but totally doable. I’m not sure what the cost of living is like in China but working 80 hours a week should certainly net you twice what you need to pay rent, food, clothing and other essentials. Anything less is not fair- time and a half for hours over 40 per week is pretty reasonable too.  What would it cost Apple maybe 2% of it’s profit? Totally worth it, I’d even be willing to pay 2% more for my next apple product. I think most people would. 

  2. Radio101

    Same story as last year from Apple but nothing happens.   Well actually Foxconn put up nets around the buildings to catch the jumpers but I wouldn’t call that “caring about every worker in our supply chain”.  A new Apple term I saw at Foxconn was iSlave.

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