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Apple Announces 'Human Rights Policy' Following Criticism

Rong Shi

   WASHINGTON - This week American tech giant Apple announced a new human
   rights policy aimed at improving the rights of workers who manufacture
   its popular smartphones and computers.

   Apple's "[1]supplier code of conduct" specifies that all workers in
   Apple's supply chain "deserve a fair and ethical workplace." It
   prohibits harassment and abuse and specifies a 60-hour maximum
   workweek, as well as at least one day off per week, among other
   protections.

   The policy document follows criticism of Apple from human rights groups
   that have accused the company of ignoring abuses by suppliers.

   On the same day that Apple released its human rights policy, a video
   filmed at an Apple supplier in China was going viral on Chinese social
   media.

   In the video, shot at a factory just outside Shanghai, a manager could
   be seen handing out identification cards to new workers by tossing the
   new IDs on the factory floor. The workers had to bend down on their
   knees to pick up the IDs.

   The next day, Pegatron, the company that owns the plant, which makes
   mobile phone accessories for Apple, issued an apology for "not
   respecting new hires."

References

   1. https://www.apple.com/supplier-responsibility/pdf/Apple-Supplier-Code-of-Conduct-January.pdf

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