Apple Already Investigating Worker-Abuse Allegations at ‘iPhone 5C’ Factory

Earlier today it was reported China Labor Watch alleged the Jabil Green Point factory in Wuxi, China, the factory responsible for the rear shell component of the ‘iPhone 5C’, had violated workers by excessive work through forced overtime.

After the report was issued, AllThingsD reports Apple has started investigating the allegations with a team on-site at Jabil Wuxi already to look into the claims:

“We take any concerns about our suppliers very seriously, and our team of experts is on-site at Jabil Wuxi to look into the new claims about conditions there,” said Apple spokeswoman Kirstin Huguet.

Moreover, Apple and Jabil issued a joint statement–below is an excerpt:

As part of our extensive Supplier Responsibility program, Apple has conducted 14 comprehensive audits at Jabil facilities since 2008, including three audits of Jabil Wuxi in the past 36 months. We take any concerns about our suppliers very seriously, and our team of experts is on-site at Jabil Wuxi to look into the new claims about conditions there. Jabil has a proactive auditing program of their own and they have an excellent track record of meeting Apple’s high standards.

Employees at Jabil are among the 1 million workers in Apple’s supply chain whose working hours we track each week and report on our website. Year to date, Jabil Wuxi has performed above our 92% average for compliance with Apple’s 60-hour per week limit. An audit completed earlier this year did find that some employees had worked more than six consecutive days without a day of rest, and Jabil has been working with our team to better manage overtime.

China Labor Watch keeps close tabs on Apple, as back in July it alleged the latter’s supplier Pegatron had also violated workers’ rights in China.

Back in July, Apple formed an academic advisory board to improve its Supplier Responsibility program, which is updated regularly regarding the working status and conditions of over 1 million supply chain workers.