Workers in China Protest Nokia-Microsoft Deal
It's tough to find just about any electronics these days that you can buy with a totally clear conscience, and things aren't exactly looking good for the new Nokia-Microsoft mega-corporation. Factory workers originally of Nokia, have taken to protesting outside of their place of work.
The protest was triggered by a new contract that the employees were apparently forced to sign. The new contract contains much worse terms of employment and that they'd ultimately be paid quite a bit less.
Reuters has the full story, as well as some comments from Nokia suggesting that the soon-to-be-bought company is in talks with the protesters. Given the abhorrent working conditions in general, stuff so bad that some workers commit suicide, I'm going to bet that the protesters aren't really asking for anything too unreasonable.
It is pretty bad what the rest of the world allows which makes me laugh when people call the US uncivilized.
Even so, $15/hour is not as liveable as you think depending on where you live. Where I live it would be enough to get by as everything keeps going up while pay does not. And yet corporations like McDonalds keep posting record profits year after year.
I think in all honesty pay needs to equal what it takes to live alone and have the ability to save just a small amount at minimum.
I am concerned - I bought a Lumia 520, mostly off the back of Nokia's score in the ethical Tantalum supply tables. This is making me think twice. Where the hell if Bill Gate's philanthropism when you need it?
I am concerned - I bought a Lumia 520, mostly off the back of Nokia's score in the ethical Tantalum supply tables. This is making me think twice. Where the hell if Bill Gate's philanthropism when you need it?
Give a toss? Nope, which factory is it and who else has stuff made there, then realize Bill Gates has nothing to do with pay or conditions at a sub-contractor
I am concerned - I bought a Lumia 520, mostly off the back of Nokia's score in the ethical Tantalum supply tables. This is making me think twice. Where the hell if Bill Gate's philanthropism when you need it?
Just remember, no one is forced to sign these contracts, contrary to what is written. They do not have to take these jobs.
Basically what we are hearing here, is much like a Union trying to fight for better wages and what not.
And while they mention poor wages and conditions, I did not see anything written in the article, so I'd have to with hold judgement until I do.
I just wish I could trust the media, because it seems all they care about is getting people to read their stuff. Not the full honest truth.
http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/11/20/china-protest-idUSL4N0J52L820131120
Tons of hearsay from both sides. Looks like a slow news day to me.
It is pretty bad what the rest of the world allows which makes me laugh when people call the US uncivilized.
Even so, $15/hour is not as liveable as you think depending on where you live. Where I live it would be enough to get by as everything keeps going up while pay does not. And yet corporations like McDonalds keep posting record profits year after year.
I think in all honesty pay needs to equal what it takes to live alone and have the ability to save just a small amount at minimum.
A McDonald's wage is as liveable as it needs to be. A job like this is a summer job or a job for a young kid. McDonald's shouldn't have a liveable wage, it should force you to better yourself. Instead of complaining about it do something to improve yourself and get a better job. There are plenty of opportunities for people to help themselves, problem is that it requires effort.
McDonalds is a job NOT A LIFELONG CAREER!
If someone is willing to do the same job for less, let him. One person is out of job either way. One way involves government intervention and the other way involves free markets. I wonder which way works better? Take a look at U.S. Steel if you don't know the answer to that.
The quality issue of many Microsoft devices is really shown through their treatment of workers. As a company you really have to respect the right workers in order to put out a good product.
People don't want to pay $1000 for a cell phone, then they go complain that the phone is made by workers who are underpaid and working in sub-standard environments.
We all "care" up until we see the sticker price, then we jump to the next manufacturer who sells a similar product for slightly less... Not judging anyone here, I do it just as much as the next guy does.