Conditions for factory hands need scrutiny
The world’s largest iPhone factory in Zhengzhou city is reported to have a significant number of underage workers, who routinely clock in 11-hour shifts assembling iPhone X handsets. This is a serious problem that the government should take steps to address.
The government should prevent companies from demanding excessive working hours, prohibit unethical hiring policies and prevent the hiring of underage workers.
I agree with Zhang, a 24-year-old Henan native working at the plant, who said that although Foxconn pays staff more than industry peers, the health of workers is often affected by the stress of having to constantly do overtime and take on night shifts to earn the higher wages.
Foxconn said it had taken action to ensure that no interns were doing any overtime and any breach of labour laws was inconsistent with its own policies. However, I believe the government of China has a responsibility to address the working hour complaints and regularly monitor compliance with labour laws in factories.
Cherry Lo Tsz Ting, Kwai Chung
