25% of iPhone manufacturer Foxconn’s new hires in India are married women
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has asked the Tamil Nadu labor department for a detailed report on the issue of married women being reportedly barred from working at the Foxconn India Apple iPhone Plant
Foxconn, the manufacturer of Apple iPhones, has informed the government that 25% of Foxconn’s new hires are married women. The company’s safety protocol mandates all employees to avoid wearing metal regardless of gender or religion, and it is not discriminatory.
In response to reports suggesting that Foxconn does not hire married women, the company clarified that such stipulations are not part of its policy. These claims may have arisen from individuals who were not hired. Foxconn emphasized that media reports malign the fast-growing Indian manufacturing sector.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has sought a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu labor department regarding the issue of married women allegedly not being allowed to work at the Foxconn India Apple iPhone Plant.
Foxconn stated that 25% of its latest hires are married women, which compares favorably to other factories in the sector operating in India. The Foxconn factory currently employs approximately 70% women and 30% men, with the Tamil Nadu plant being the largest factory for women’s employment in the country, employing up to 45,000 workers during peak periods.
Regarding the discussion around Hindu married women being discriminated against for wearing metals (ornaments and jewelry), Foxconn asserts that this perception is “entirely slanted.” The company considers wearing metal in factories a safety issue, recognized by both the industry and the government. Regardless of marital status or religion, all employees are required to remove metals while working.
Foxconn clarified that no one wearing metal is allowed to work on the shop floor, a common practice in several industries. The media report, based on anecdotal comments by 5-10 people or potential job seekers, likely came from candidates who did not get hired or no longer work at Foxconn.
The company maintains that it hires workers from diverse backgrounds and does not discriminate based on gender, race, or marital status. In 2022, Foxconn enhanced its management process for hiring agencies and removed more than 20 job ads that did not meet its standards. The company refutes allegations of employment discrimination and emphasizes that married women are welcome to wear traditional metal ornaments while working in its facilities.
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