Foxconn Chairman Defends Hiring Practices Amid Investigation

Foxconn’s chairman, Young Liu, defended the company’s hiring practices on Saturday, addressing recent allegations that it rejects married women for iPhone assembly jobs. This statement comes after New Delhi ordered investigations into these claims.

Foxconn’s Hiring Practices:

Liu spoke at the opening ceremony for a new hostel complex for Foxconn workers near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, emphasizing that the company hires regardless of gender. “Women make up a big part of our workforce here,” Liu stated, underscoring that married women significantly contribute to the company’s efforts.

The hostel complex said to be “exclusive” to 18,720 Foxconn women workers, is situated close to the iPhone assembly plant. Liu’s remarks came after a June Reuters report suggested that Foxconn systematically excluded married women from assembly roles due to concerns about family responsibilities.

Government Response and Foxconn Stance:

The Reuters investigation led to significant public and media scrutiny, prompting Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s federal government to demand a “detailed report” from Tamil Nadu officials. Labour officials have visited the iPhone factory to question Foxconn executives. As of now, New Delhi has not released any findings.

Foxconn acknowledged some lapses in its hiring practices last year and claimed to have addressed these issues. However, the company “vigorously refutes” the allegations of discrimination. According to Foxconn, its main India iPhone factory employs 41,281 people, including 33,360 women, with about 8% of these women being married. Specific staffing figures for iPhone assembly roles were not detailed.

Expansion Plans and Ongoing Discussions

Foxconn has been expanding its operations in India, producing iPhones and products for other brands, and is planning to venture into AirPods and chipmaking. During his visit to India, Liu met with Prime Minister Modi and other high-ranking officials to discuss Foxconn’s investment plans.