14 DAY TRIAL // Although some would beg to differ, Apple claims it enforces a code of conduct that prohibits practices that threaten the rights of workers.
This is detailed in several materials posted online by the Mac maker with the purpose of clarifying that Apple values the rights of every Asian worker building its iPads and Macs.
In fact, Apple says it prohibits practices that threaten the rights of workers “even when local laws and customs permit such practices.”
The company has taken steps to end excessive recruitment fees and to prevent the hiring of underage workers.
Mike Daisey, an American monologist, author, and actor best known for his full-length extemporaneous monologues, and Nicholas Kristof appeared on This American Life detailing their first-hand experiences at Foxconn.
The duo noted that child labor was common at the Chinese company, and that companies maintained blacklists of "troublemakers". These are described as workers who demand overtime pay.
Apple, however, claims it prohibits such policies at its suppliers.
“The Supplier Code of Conduct prohibits all types of involuntary labor, such as slavery, indentured or bonded labor, child labor, and prison labor,” according to the documents released by the Mac maker last week.
“Our suppliers certify compliance with the local laws applicable to their operations, including any slavery and human trafficking laws, and we verify compliance by conducting rigorous audits of their facilities.”
“Beyond auditing, we provide our employees who are directly responsible for supply chain management with training on involuntary labor and human trafficking issues to reinforce our prevention efforts, and we hold them accountable for complying with our standards.”
Apple has expanded its audits to 28 suppliers in Malaysia and Singapore, countries known to be destinations for migrant workers, and as a result of this, suppliers reimbursed $3.3 million in excess foreign contract worker fees, bringing to $6.7 million the total that has been repaid to workers since 2008, the company said.
The company has delivered training to 67 human resources managers, covering all Apple supplier facilities in Malaysia and many in Singapore.
Apple has also announced that it has become the first technology company to be admitted to the Fair Labor Association (FLA).