Foxconn’s chairman, Young Liu, has come forward to defend the company’s hiring policies following reports that the Apple supplier allegedly discriminates against married women in its iPhone assembly jobs. Speaking at the opening ceremony of a worker hostel near Chennai in Tamil Nadu, Liu emphasized that Foxconn hires individuals irrespective of gender and highlighted the significant contributions made by married women in their workforce.
The hostel complex, reportedly designated exclusively for Foxconn’s 18,720 female employees, is situated in close proximity to the iPhone manufacturing facility in the region. Liu refrained from taking questions from the media during the event.
In response to a Reuters investigation that unveiled the alleged exclusion of married women from certain roles at its Indian iPhone assembly plant, Foxconn admitted to some shortcomings in its hiring practices. The company stated that it had taken steps to rectify these issues and vehemently denied allegations of discriminatory employment practices.
The controversy sparked widespread discussions, with TV debates and newspaper editorials bringing attention to the matter. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government intervened by instructing Tamil Nadu authorities to furnish a detailed report on the issue. Labour officials from the central government also visited the iPhone factory to interrogate executives, although official findings have not been disclosed as of yet.
Foxconn informed labour officials that its primary iPhone manufacturing facility in India employs over 41,000 individuals, with women constituting a significant portion of the workforce. Among the female employees, approximately 8% were reported to be married, although specific details regarding employment distribution within areas like iPhone assembly, where the alleged discrimination occurred, were not provided.
Having expanded operations in India in recent years, Foxconn manufactures iPhones and devices for various smartphone brands in the country. The company is also poised to enter the production of AirPods and chip manufacturing.
During his current visit, Liu has engaged with Prime Minister Modi and other prominent Indian officials to discuss Foxconn’s investment strategies and future plans in the region.
