Apple iPhone maker Foxconn issues apology for hiring blunder that led to violent protests

The largest Apple iPhone factory, which is owned by Foxconn, is dealing with violent protests in Zhengzhou city. On Wednesday, reports started pouring claiming that workers are smashing CCTV cameras with sticks. Videos showed workers damaging some property at the factory as well. Foxconn has finally come forward and apoligised for a 'technical error' in the hiring process which caused the violent protests.

A report from Reuters has confirmed that Foxconn is investigating the matter and it has discovered a technical problem in the onboarding process. Foxconn said, "Our team has been looking into the matter and discovered a technical error occurred during the onboarding process."

Foxconn further explained that the issue was due to an input error in the computer system. They have assured that the pay will be the same as promise during the recruitment process. 

The statement added, "We apologize for an input error in the computer system and guarantee that the actual pay is the same as agreed and the official recruitment posters."

Also read: Men carrying sticks smash CCTV cameras at world’s largest iPhone factory; watch video

The report suggests that the majority of the agitators have stopped protesting. The company has claimed that it is trying to resolve the issue with the smaller group of protesters at the manufacturing facility. 

Some workers also complained about the poor working conditions at the factory during the lockdown. They were not even certain if they would get meals while they were in quarantine.

The Zhengzhou factory in China employs over 2 lakh employees to make Apple iPhones. The factory is also responsible for making the iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max models, which are currently not being produced in India. The scale and operations of the factory can be understood by the fact that it alone is responsible for 70 per cent of iPhone shipments globally. 

Also see: Apple 14 Pro & Pro Max: The Forbidden Fruits?

China's zero-covid policy and the rising number of Covid cases in the country have led to more lockdowns. The country has ordered a lockdown in the city after the protests broke out. Residents have been asked to stay indoors.