Former execs speak out about Apple negligently treating overseas factories, labor conditions
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In a report quoting former and current Apple executives, Cupertino is accused of applying lax requirements for its overseas workers while knowing about the conditions of workers in China. Of course, the origin of the problem lays on corporate greed - the desire to minimalize turnaround times and maximize margins. In contrast, when speaking about Apple’s requirements for hardware, it’s never lax - quite the opposite, the company is known as pursuing nearly perfection in its products.
Apple’s size and importance is another reason, an ex-executive explains. “The system works for us. Suppliers would change everything tomorrow if Apple told them they didn’t have another choice."
Another executives also opines that Apple’s overly passive position is partly to blame: “Noncompliance is tolerated, as long as the suppliers promise to try harder next time. If we meant business, core violations would disappear.” Cupertino has only stopped working with 15 of its suppliers since 2007.
A shocking revelation comes from a current Apple executive: “Right now, customers care more about a new iPhone than working conditions in China.” Shocking not because it’s all that surprising, but because it comes from a current executive.
The NY Times delivers comprehensive coverage - a must read for those interested in the company, so we definitely advise you to hit the source link below and share your thoughts about Apple’s policies below. Don’t forget, though, that we, the customers, are also partly the reason why this is possible.
source: NY Times
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44 Comments
1. android_hitman posted on 26 Jan 2012, 10:25 11 8
keep buying apple products.. it's good for bussiness... apple bussiness...
40. InspectorGadget80 posted on 26 Jan 2012, 20:43 5 2
It's not good for the workers at FoxxCon killing themselves over these Apple products
2. Paden posted on 26 Jan 2012, 10:38 7 9
You guys will probably discredit this since it's directly from Apple, but:
http://www.apple.com/supplierresponsibility/
One thing Cook is trying to accomplish is get Apple more involved in their supply chain factory conditions and well-being. Also, Cook plans on giving back, making donations and matching donations given by employees.
http://allthingsd.com/20110908/sweet-charity-apple-matches-employee-donations/
http://www.cultofmac.com/127368/tim-cook-is-already-leaving-his-mark-on-apple-report/
http://www.digikey.com/purchasingpro/us/en/articles/supply-chain/apple-increases-its-number-of-supplier-responsibility-audits/1277
http://www.theferrarigroup.com/supply-chain-matters/2012/01/13/apple-provides-transparency-to-supplier-social-responsibility-standards/
I'm not trying to discredit this article. It just shows that, yes, they screwed up and yes they are trying to make it better.
5. Paden posted on 26 Jan 2012, 10:42 4 3
Oh and another thing: A no tolerance policy should definitely be in place.
34. remixfa posted on 26 Jan 2012, 16:37 3 1
easy discredit. When jobs was in charge it was Cook's job to oversee suppliers and contracts. All he is doing is PR. Come tqlk about improved conditions when we hear cheers from the slaves in chenzen.
Here is apple saying .. no one gives a damn otherwise they would say something to us. Everyone that buys apple products shares the blame. If the customers made enough noise and stopped buying the product they would change... but u vote to keep The savage status quo with every purchase.
3. bloodline posted on 26 Jan 2012, 10:40 13 5
one of the many reasons why i support google over apple
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4. itiswhatitis posted on 26 Jan 2012, 10:41 13 4
apple dont care nothing except their own pocket!
7. cnwwyo posted on 26 Jan 2012, 10:53 3 5
That is the whole point of having a business and producing a product in case you didnt know...
18. taz89 posted on 26 Jan 2012, 12:37 1 0
business is about making money but it doesn't make it right what these big companies are doing to get cheap labour.
21. cnwwyo posted on 26 Jan 2012, 13:57 2 0
it's what the us gov. is doing to make people get cheaper labor
30. rf1975 posted on 26 Jan 2012, 15:26 0 0
not only apple. MS, Google, HTC, Samy etc. all companies are there to care their own pocket.
37. cheetah2k posted on 26 Jan 2012, 17:32 2 0
China must be laughing with Apple being so dependent on them for fabrication. This is the one and only linchpin of Apples entire organisation and holds Apple's future in the balance. Think of China as the hand that holds the iphone. Without China as the hand, Apple is litterally dead in the water (or dropped on the sidewalk so as to speak)...
With this in mind, you would have to consider that Apple's run of good fortune won't last for ever. Once the China labour costs normalise to near global prices (currently they're way below), Apple's massive profit margin will be screwed to the wall. It's only a matter of time TBH. China is a growing economy, and labour costs are constantly on the rise.
Aside from Apple's total stagation in design of both iPhone and iOS (much like RIM) I still forsee Apple as a dominant player in the future. You will see they're level of marketing and patent aggression increase 10x fold and in order to sell more units to keep the gravy train rolling.. Its only a matter of time..
