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Microsoft Xbox factory workers threaten mass suicide
SOFTWARE HOUSE Microsoft is apparently concerned about threats by workers at a Foxconn factory to commit mass suicide over working conditions and pay.
Foxconn factories sound like terrible places to work, and it seems that every year we hear fresh accusations and horror stories. We have asked Microsoft to confirm whether this latest report is accurate, and asked it to comment about why 300 people that assemble Xbox hardware are threatening to kill themselves.
"Microsoft takes working conditions in the factories that manufacture its products very seriously, and we are currently investigating this issue," said a statement that Microsoft provided to CNN.
"The welfare of our employees is our top priority and we are committed to ensuring that all employees are treated fairly and that their rights are fully protected."
Problems started when Foxconn began moving people to an alternative production line, and spun out to include pay disputes.
Suicide seems like an extreme response, if you have never heard of Foxconn, but apparently the Foxconn workers see threatening to throw themselves off a roof as the best way to dramatise their grievances.
We are still waiting to hear back from Microsoft.
Update
Microsoft confirmed the report and provided us with its full statement and position on the events at the factory.
"Microsoft is one of many companies that contracts with Foxconn to manufacture hardware. Upon learning of the labor protest in Wuhan, we immediately conducted an independent investigation of this issue," starts the statement that comes from a Microsoft spokesperson.
"After talking with workers and management, it is our understanding that the worker protest was related to staffing assignments and transfer policies, not working conditions. Due to regular production adjustments, Foxconn offered the workers the option of being transferred to alternative production lines or resigning and receiving all salary and bonuses due, according to length of service. After the protest, the majority of workers chose to return to work. A smaller portion of those employees elected to resign.
Microsoft takes working conditions in the factories that manufacture its products very seriously. We have a stringent Vendor Code of Conduct that spells out our expectations, and we monitor working conditions closely on an ongoing basis and address issues as they emerge. Microsoft is committed to the fair treatment and safety of workers employed by our vendors and to ensuring conformance with Microsoft policy."
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All Microsoft has to do is put in a word with the factory's commissar types (it is in Red China after all) and have them threaten to shoot those who threaten to commit suicide.
But in the end there are plenty of more applicants for any 'iopened' job slots either way. A great deal for Microsoft to have workers slave like dogs for pennies, makes them wish they could move the rest of their company to China.
Uh no, top priority for Microsoft is PROFIT. Otherwise they wouldn't lay off employees in MASS to pinch pennies or improve profit (Like all corps do). Microsoft is just another Corporation and they will simply relocated the manufacturing of their Xbox to somewhere else where the employees complain less. Problem solved...
Do you REALLY think Gates or any of the over-paid chronies at Microsucks really care about Chinese slave labor or sweat shops as long as they are raking in windfall profits from violations of law?
REALLY?
Not only does this Chinese supplier for Apple and Microsoft abuse it's labor force but they have had several industrial explosions in recent years due to negligent handling of dust. Chinese scientists came to the University of Michigan in the 1990's to study how to prevent such explosions. When they went back to China they went ot work on weapons for the Chinese military instead of worker safety. The authoritarian regime of the Chinese Communist Party is not a reliable partner for American universities but the presidents of our universities continue to make deal after deal with China. Read more at www.china-threat.com