Foxconn offers US$1,400 to new hires to leave Zhengzhou factory after violent protests over benefits and Covid-19 controls

The offer to workers was made on Wednesday and published by Chinese online media outlet Cailianshe, after violent clashes between workers and company security staff that began on Tuesday evening over allowances and strict Covid-19 measures.

Foxconn confirmed that protests, some violent, had occurred at the factory in a statement earlier on Wednesday but did not elaborate further.

According to the company notice, recently-hired workers at the iPhone production unit of Foxconn in Zhengzhou will receive 8,000 yuan if they tender their resignation immediately and will receive another 2,000 upon boarding a bus out of the facility.

“Some employees are still concerned about the coronavirus and hope to quit and return home, and the company deeply understands the concerns,” according to the notice. The 10,000 yuan package covers lost salary, quarantine allowances and miscellaneous items, according to the notice.

According to a video clip circulating online, the contents of which were verified by a Foxconn employee on Wednesday, a man told a group of workers about a compensation offer and asked them to gather at 7:30pm if they wanted to take the money and leave. The man promised to arrange transport to send them home within Henan province, and they will have to undergo quarantine when they arrive in their home cities and towns.