Workers in China Protest Nokia-Microsoft Deal

By Daniel Starkey
published

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.

Daniel Starkey
19 Comments Comment from the forums
  • coolitic
    As usual, microsoft sucks now.
    Reply
  • sirskeetsalot2013
    this is just horrible to do to human beings. And yet people that work for Mc.Donalds here think they should get paid $15.00 (although the minimum wage should be raised, but not that high) and yet these pour souls basically have to live in tents in factory concentration like camps, to slave away like Foxconn workers.
    Reply
  • bebangs
    the only thing Elop saved during the burning platform was himself.
    Reply
  • jimmysmitty
    12009835 said:
    this is just horrible to do to human beings. And yet people that work for Mc.Donalds here think they should get paid $15.00 (although the minimum wage should be raised, but not that high) and yet these pour souls basically have to live in tents in factory concentration like camps, to slave away like Foxconn workers.

    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.
    Reply
  • rodbowler
    We should remember that Nokia origionally manufactured their own hardware in Finland. Moving all your hardware to China has human costs aside from putting you contrymen out of work.
    Reply
  • back_by_demand
    Sick of hearing this suicide worker crap, they only got the work off the back of Finnish people being put out of work
    Reply
  • gofasterstripes
    How the hell does that excuse it? It's not the point.

    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?
    Reply
  • back_by_demand
    12011867 said:
    How the hell does that excuse it? It's not the point.

    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
    Reply
  • sonofliberty08
    capitalism bring the world to today situation, the poor become even poor, the rich become richer
    Reply
  • bystander
    How the hell does that excuse it? It's not the point.

    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.
    Reply