The organization hired to audit Apple's factories in China released its report on Thursday stating it found "significant issues with working conditions at three factories in China operated by Apple’s major supplier Foxconn."
The Fair Labor Association (FLA) said its nearly month-long investigation uncovered overworked employees, health and safety problems, problems with overtime compensation and issues with communication that led to unsafe working conditions. The FLA says it "secured" commitments to overturn these problems and will institute closer monitoring of factories to ensure safe and positive working conditions are upheld.
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Earlier this week the activist group SumOfUs said it heard the report would be released this week and preemptively contested any promises Apple might make regarding changing its practices, saying hiring the FLA was simply a publicity move by Apple.
Spokespeople from Apple did not return our request for comment.
[More from Mashable: Tim Cook Visits Foxconn Factory in China]
Nike and other clothing retailers hired the FLA to audit its overseas factories after controversy about garment workers' conditions overtook the media in the '90s and early 00's. Apple said it's the first tech company to voluntarily hire a fair labor auditor.
What do you think about the FLA's recent report about factories in China? Tell us in the comments.
Image courtesy of Flickr, Adam Fagen.
This story originally published on Mashable here.
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