Apple Assessment

MSc Management and Routes
Is there Evidence that Apple Needs to Improve the Working

Conditions of their workers
Mahathi Baskaran
N1051963
INTRODUCTION:
Apple, the most valuable firm in the world by market value, is renowned for its
meticulousness, secrecy, and precision. The iPhone is arguably the single most
successful product in the history of the planet and the most successful product
in Apple's history and it has sold more than 1 billion iPhones worldwide since
the device's launch in June 2007. It is one of the most valuable and successful
firms that has a market capitalization of more than $2.32 trillion. A corporation
is fascinating if its items are excellent. The fact that it can create and supply
them is what makes Apple the most valuable business in the world.
Additionally, it boasts a community of over 6 million independent software
developers that provide apps for Apple products. As a result, Apple has
complete control over the process of product development, manufacturing,
and marketing, giving it a competitive edge but have not been able to uncover
a substantial association between social signals like human rights and supply-
chain hazards.
MAIN BODY:
UNSAFE WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
According to Apple, it is dedicated to ensuring safe and fair working conditions for everyone
in the supply chain but a labour rights group revealed a number of human rights violations at
a supplier factory used to build iPhone and iPad parts. Locked emergency exits, a lack of
safety training, hiring bias, excessive work hours for employees, and forced overtime were
among the problems discovered in Suqian. Each person works an average of six hours of
unpaid overtime every month, according to China Labour Watch, totalling almost $290,000
in unpaid pay for all workers.
The working conditions of Chinese iPhone workers came under scrutiny in 2010 after a wave
of suicides among them. These conditions, which included hard work, a strict management
style, and rising pressure to produce within short time periods, all for minimal wages, have
been well-documented in the media and by labour rights organisations, one evening an
explosion of alumni dust was seen in Foxconn factory in Chengdu, which makes iPad, caught
fire and exploded.
In order to support high-speed, 24-hour manufacturing, Foxconn provides shared dorm rooms
at the facility which results in the workplace and residential space being cramped. The living
and working spaces are combined in factories, which can more readily increase work hours to
keep up with production. Workers face divorce, are cut off from their families, and are
compelled to leave their children in their hometowns.
FIXING THE MISTAKE:

Jeff Williams being Apple’s chief operating officer, said that the “firm cares
deeply” about every worker in its supply chain.
Although the business doesn't state as much, the most recent research
suggests that enhancing working conditions in the technology manufacturing
sector will necessitate an effort across industries. Following an audit, Foxconn
reduced employee overtime work and updated maintenance regulations and
safety procedures, which helped to gradually improve the working conditions
at three of its Chinese facilities. One of the numerous modifications made by
Foxconn is the end of student interns working extra hours in the factories.
Workers can now voice concerns anonymously to the management. The audit
also aided in the implementation of several health and safety policy
modifications, such as bettering the design of workers' equipment to prevent
injuries and instituting timed breaks of 10 to 15 minutes to relieve physical
strain on employees' bodies.
"Our hope is that our efforts will not only benefit Foxconn, but that they will
also serve as a model for other companies and help improve working
conditions for the manufacturing industry throughout China," said Louis Woo,
special assistant to Foxconn's CEO, in a statement.
In an effort to improve working conditions in the face of unionisation demands,
apple has reportedly agreed to make work schedules at its retail locations
more flexible. In several stores, the business advised the workforce that there
might be adjustments to the schedule in the near future. In order to appease
workers and deal with a competitive labour market, Apple has recently
implemented a number of modifications. The number of paid sick days was
doubled, and the corporation also raised vacation days and expanded child
backup care. It increased hourly pay last month, increasing the minimum wage
from $20 to $22 per hour.
It is obvious that despite all the bad headlines, Apple still has a loyal following
of customers and strong product demand. Apple must place a higher priority
on raising the living standards of its employees and paying them what they are
entitled to.
CONCLUSION:
The sleek appearance and innovative technology of the iPhone have
contributed to its popularity with customers. Apple-designed goods work well
with current requirements. The gadgets are durable, simple to use,
consistently function effectively and they are also well-suited to adjusting to
current technological improvements.

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MSc Management and Routes

Is there Evidence that Apple Needs to Improve the Working

FIXING THE MISTAKE:

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