Apple looks into iPod labor abuse claims
updated 10:10 pm EDT, Tue June 13, 2006
iPod labor abuse claims
Apple today responded to claims of labor abuse in its iPod factories, saying that it was investigating allegations working conditions in the iPod manufacturing plant in China. The company said it would not tolerate "any violations of its supplier code of conduct which are posted online. Apple is committed to ensuring that working conditions in our supply chain are safe, workers are treated with respect and dignity, and manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible," the company said in a statement obtained by Macworld UK, referencing its online supplier code of conduct.
Apple's code says that it "is committed to ensuring that working conditions in Apple’s supply chain are safe, that workers are treated with respect and dignity, and that manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible." The company says that Apple’s suppliers are obligated, in all of their activities, to operate in full compliance with the laws, rules and regulations of the countries in which they operate, but requires more from its suppliers.
"This Supplier Code of Conduct goes further, drawing upon internationally recognized standards, in order to advance social and environmental responsibility. Apple requires that its first tier suppliers implement this Code using the management systems described below," the company's statement reads.
Apple’s Supplier Code of Conduct is modeled on and contains language from the Electronic Industry Code of Conduct and uses standards such as International Labour Organization Standards (ILO), Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), Social Accountability International (SAI), and the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI). In part, the Apple says its suppliers must uphold the human rights of workers, to treat them with dignity and respect as understood by the international community. The code has sections on discrimination, harsh treatment and harassment, involuntary labor, child labor, working hours, renumeration, and freedom of association.
Excellent
06/14, 10:05am reply
I'm heartened by the fact that Apple has a Code of Conduct for its suppliers, but I will feel completely reinvigorated with Love for the company if they use their considerable influence to affect change at those iPod factories in China. A 60 hour work week limit should be acceptable and children should not be working that long either.
It's is bad enough that most items we buy in the US are tainted by occupational and physical abuse at foreign factories. I hope Apple Computer can get some of that blood off its hands.
Cec
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jan 2006
Story of lies
06/14, 11:26am reply
I really find this story to be false on all counts and I think the only one who is going to have blood on there hands is the one that wrote this tale of lies to begin with. And once Apple is through with this person or paper they won't be telling anymore fairy tales ever again. But if there is any truth to this story the company in china will never work for Apple again if they find abuse of any kind. That's just the way Apple works and they won't put up with any B.S. period.
jhorvatic
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Apr 2005
re: story of lies
06/14, 12:37pm reply
... you're new to this planet, aren't you?
darkelf
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Nov 2003
Re: story of lies
06/14, 01:30pm reply
No, he's not new. Apple is the bestest, most wondefulest, heart-warmingest, caringest company in the world. They wouldn't do anything that might be considered, by anyone, detrimental to society. They only want to help save the world.
Can he is right. This is a bucketful of lies. We know Apple cares about people above the bottom line. Anyone who says otherwise will find themselves under a bus soon enough.
testudo
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
The only lie...
06/14, 04:51pm reply
... is Apple claiming ignorance to the working conditions in the facility. You can't tell me Apple executives, and even The Steve, haven't visited the plant while it's been in operation. This is just a face-saving publicity move.
Zubir
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Jun 2004
player test
06/19, 05:12am reply
Interestingly enough, in December last year the Dutch Consumer Society tested a bunch of mp3-players. Obviously, the iPod was considered the top-player considering its technical and esthetical characteristics. However, as part of the test, environmental and social policy was also looked into. Unfortunately, Apple refused to provide any information, which gives me at least the strong impression that they might have a reason not to let others look into the product chain. Great that Apple has this Code of Conduct! If they actually live upto their claims, what would there be to hide? I think it would be great for Apple to actually show what they preach. [mp3 test: http://www.consumentenbond.nl -> subscription needed]
stefls
Dedicated MacNNer
Joined: Sep 2001