Microsoft investigates Foxconn worker mass suicide protest
Chinese manufacturer, Foxconn is in the news again with workers protesting poor working conditions at the factory. The manufacturing company came under scrutiny in the past after a number of suicides occurred in plants contracted by Apple, HP and Dell.
Apple, HP and Dell came under pressure to investigate the incidents which prompted onsite counselors and improved working conditions. However, last week news of yet another incident hit when 150 workers at a Foxconn factory threatened to jump off the rooftop of the plant if demands were not met.
This particular plant is under contract with Microsoft and is believed to be manufacturing Xbox 360 game consoles. Microsoft responded by launching an investigation to determine if working conditions were subpar in the plant.
The company issued a statement [via PC World], revealing that the dispute was around work assignment and transfer policies.
It is our understanding that the worker protest was related to staffing assignments and transfer policies, not working conditions.
Due to regular production adjustments, Foxconn offered the workers the option of being transferred to alternative production lines or resigning and receiving all salary and bonuses due, according to length of service.
Microsoft stated that the company works closely with the manufacturers to ensure that proper working conditions are met.
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