Foxconn Workers Threaten to Jump Off Roof in Protest

Foxconn just can't seem to get a break. The iPhone manufacturer is the subject of two protests relating to its workers and their dislike of current conditions. One protest resided in China and one in Brazil. One protest could have resulted in death while the other isn't quite so drastic... yet.

First up to bat we have Foxconn workers in the company's Wuhan City facility in China. Hong Kong-based activist group Information Center for Human Rights said on Friday that around 200 workers demanded higher wages. Even more, they climbed up to the roof and threatened a collective plunge of death if their demands weren't met. Yet once the police crashed the scene, the workers decided their jobs were just fine in their book.

A spokesman for Hon Hai Precision Industry, the listed unit of the Foxconn group, told Reuters that the protest concerned workplace adjustments and involved workers new to the plant. He even said there really wasn't any kind of strike at all. "The dispute has already been settled after some negotiations involving the human resources and legal departments as well as the local government," the spokesman said.

But the Information Center for Human Rights told Reuters that the workers threatened roof-based suicide because they were earning less in Wuhan than they had in their previous jobs. They only returned to work after police intervened.

Meanwhile over in Brazil, workers at its Jundiai plant are complaining about overcrowded buses, nasty food and a lack of water. Around 2,500 workers are involved, and reportedly met with executives last Monday to raise concerns and to give Foxconn 10 days to resolve the issues.

Brazil's Tech Guru reports that Foxconn's troubles started when it hired on over one thousand additional employees, but didn't increase the transport infrastructure to accommodate the new hires. The company has also supposedly hired water trucks to bring in water for its employees. Does that mean there's no running water in the Jundiai plant?

A representative for the employees was "optimistic that an amicable solution could be reached with Foxconn without resorting to a strike," AppleInsider reports.

Back in January, Brazilian official reportedly claimed that Foxconn planned to build five additional factories within the country, staffing them with approximately workers each that would help produce Apple devices. iPhone 4 units stemming from Brazil hit the market last February, and Apple reportedly just received approval to begin selling iPad 2 units which are also manufactured in Brazil.

  • el33t
    Seriosly, these folks at Foxconn are really obsessed with playing the superman aren't they?
    Reply
  • leandrodafontoura
    This may come to a surprise, but in Brasil, running water is not drinkable, as it is in USA. There is water of course, wich is 100% clean, and works great for showeing etc...but its not recomended for drinking because of certain quemicals it has in order to make it clean. Bottled water is the only choice of drinking water in Brasil, tap water is not recomended. Its ok though once in while, if necessary.
    Reply
  • jamie_1318
    "Back in January, Brazilian official reportedly claimed that Foxconn planned to build five additional factories within the country, staffing them with approximately workers each that would help produce Apple devices."

    It looks like you are missing a number between approximately and workers.
    Reply
  • shawn808
    Keep buying up those Apple products America.

    Record profits for Apple and American company that outsourced all its products to the cheapest bidder.

    How bout a few percent less on the profits and actually employ some AMERICANS
    Reply
  • DRosencraft
    It's sad and distressing that anyone has to go this far just to get some decent wages and working conditions. People may deride unions today here in the states, but if we never had unions we'd probably be a lot like China right now in terms of worker's rights and salaries.
    Reply
  • Murissokah
    Foxconn will find brazilian labor law to be much more protective of factory workers than the chinese law. If they try anything similar to what they do in China, they're in for an endless river of money in fines.
    Reply
  • rantoc
    DRosencraftIt's sad and distressing that anyone has to go this far just to get some decent wages and working conditions. People may deride unions today here in the states, but if we never had unions we'd probably be a lot like China right now in terms of worker's rights and salaries.
    And why do you think the 1% want the unions gone that are representing the 99%? Just shocking to see how many of the 99% think the 1% is right... at least to the day their chained in iron and put in a mine!
    Reply
  • monsta
    Wake up!
    Reply
  • Shin-san
    shawn808Keep buying up those Apple products America.Record profits for Apple and American company that outsourced all its products to the cheapest bidder.How bout a few percent less on the profits and actually employ some AMERICANSApple isn't (just?) using China for the cheapest bidder. The Chinese government meddles with the factories and will fund the building of them just for Apple.
    Reply
  • waethorn
    Is it any coincidence that China and Brazil are both a) committing unethical labour practices, and b) the #1 and #3 countries in the world (Russia is #2) for counterfeiting and piracy?

    What do they teach these people in school? That it's ok to lie, cheat, steal, and screw the little guy to get ahead in business? Fuck Communism - these nations have the Republican agenda down pat!
    Reply