FoxConn

Makers of the miracle
New Internationalist looks behind the impressive economic statistics to find the human story – the sweat and the struggle underlying China’s impressive growth record. This is a tale of vast proportions – the largest migration in human history, the ruthless exploitation of the vulnerable, and the awakening of hundreds of thousands to their power and their rights. Analysis mixes with history and the voices of the workers to paint a picture of what is at stake both for China and the world.

(30-second short video statement) http://www.publiceye.ch/en/vote/foxconn/

At least 18 workers committed suicide at Foxconn in 2010. They were internal migrants from the countryside in the 17 to 25 age group.

In the 21st century China, India, Mexico and other countries, Foxconn workers have “nothing to lose but their chains” (Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels, 1848, The Communist Manifesto).

USAS – United Students Against Sweatshops

Stand with Chinese workers making Apple iPhones

(created on 14 June 2010; ACTIVE – in English)

http://www.unionvoice.org/campaign/apple_suicides/

[SACOM Statement] 4 June 2010, Hong Kong

Apple’s Image is Based on Exploitation

Yan Li, 27, is the latest victim of Foxconn, the manufacturer of iPads and other high-tech items that has experienced a recent rash of worker suicides. He collapsed and died from exhaustion on 27 May after having worked continuously for 34 hours. His wife said Yan had been on the night shift for a month and in that time had worked overtime every night. Yan, an engineer, had worked for Foxconn since April 2007. The tragedy marks the 11th death at the corporation since January this year. To pay respect to these young lives, Students & Scholars Against Corporate Misbehavior (SACOM) designates 8 June 2010 as the Global Day of Remembrance for Foxconn’s Victims.

[29 May 2010] Radio Melbourne, Australia
http://www.3cr.org.au/aggregator/sources/683

Foxconn shuts the door when NGOs demand for corrective actions

25 May 2010

Students and Scholars Against Corporate Misbehaviour (SACOM) and other labour NGOs staged a protest outside Foxconn’s Hong Kong headquarters this morning to express our concerns over the high number of suicides at its factories. Disgracefully, Foxconn did not use the opportunity to make a public account on the issue, but shut its door to the protesters. Furthermore, Foxconn called the security guards and police to “receive” us.

Appeal by Sociologists:
Address to the Problems of New Generations of Chinese Migrant Workers,
End to Foxconn Tragedy Now
18th May 2010

Since January of this year at the Foxconn Group, nine workers have already attempted suicide by jumping from buildings, resulting in the tragic death of seven, with two injured. Why would these young people, roughly all in their twenties, choose to leave this world in life’s most beautiful time? This loss of life is so distressing, and makes us think deeply about the new problems of the second generation of migrant workers and the status of China as the “world’s factory.”

A newly-installed safety net between dormitory buildings to prevent employees from attempting suicide by jumping off the rooftop—can it really help save lives?

[photo by Students & Scholars against Corporate Misbehavior (SACOM)]

Introduction

Since the beginning of 2010, a startling ten Foxconn employees in Shenzhen tried to end their lives. Eight died, while two survived their injuries. All were between 18 and 25 years old—in the prime of their youth—and their loss should awaken wider society to reflect upon the costs of a development model that sacrifices dignity for economic growth.

Today i came across Ten Years Logging's comments on FoxConn, he said "I don't want to see the FoxConn case end up being 'appropriate for the China Context'". What he meant was a happy reconciliation for everyone: the reporters admit that they are not substantial enough in their fact finding, but the report is not libel; FoxConn claims that it is willing to improve working condition and monitor is welcomed. The original press freedom and media monitor issues will be desolved, but the workers are still silent.

In response to Foxconn's legal prosecution against a reporter and an editor in the First Financial daily because of their reports on the working condition of i-pod subcontracting factory in Shenzhen, First Financial Daily issued an open letter condemning Foxconn.

In the public statement, the First Financial Daily stated:

1. they would support Wang You and Weng Bao in the trial as Wang You was just fulfilling his duty as reporter.