Apple begins Foxconn iPod audit

Apple has begun "a thorough audit" of the Chinese iPod plant operated by Foxconn, following allegations of labor abuse. The company on Monday told Reuters that it had already begun investigating a newspaper report that indicated that iPod supplier Foxconn was violating local labor laws as well as Apple's own code of supplier conduct. "Apple has begun a thorough audit of the manufacturing plant operated by Foxconn in Longhua, China," Apple spokesman Steve Dowling told the publication. The report says that the audit will look at "employee working and living conditions as well as include interviews of employees and managers, compliance with overtime and wage regulations, and other areas as necessary to insure adherence to Apple's supplier code of conduct.

Despite photos and the report, Foxconn has reportedly denied all of the labor abuse allegations.

"Foxconn's employment practices are completely in accordance with the requirements of Shenzhen labor supervision departments and the Shenzhen Labor Supervision Bureau can come to our factory to carry out inspections," Foxconn spokeswoman Miss He was quoted in the Beijing Times' Web site on June 16.

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