Manufacturer Foxconn forced to improve union elections
Monday 04 February 2013
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EmailTaiwanese manufacturer Foxconn admitted today that it had been forced to open up union elections at its factories in China, which make gadgets including Apple's iPhone.
It follows recommendations by a panel hired by Apple to audit conditions for Foxconn's 1.2 million workers in China.
Apple forced Foxconn to open up its factories to inspection by the Fair Labour Association, which pointed out problems with union representation, long hours, low pay and safety.
The current chairman of Foxconn's trade union in China is Chen Peng, a senior member of the firm's management.
Foxconn has previously been criticised for policies that allegedly led to a dozen workers' suicides.
It said it will allow elections for a chairman and 20 members of its Federation of Labour Unions Committee every five years.
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