Days after labor officials reportedly visited Foxconn’s factory in Chennai, following a Reuters probe alleging discrimination against married women in hiring, a new report has emerged. This report, submitted by the Regional Labour Commissioner Chennai, found no evidence of discrimination against married women in employment and recruitment practices at the Foxconn iPhone factory.
The report, based on detailed interviews and examination of records, concluded that all employees confirmed they are not facing any form of discrimination concerning wages and promotions. The investigation team, which visited the plant recently, conducted thorough interrogations of 21 married female employees.
This investigation was prompted by allegations of discriminatory practices, which led to a five-member team from the government’s regional labor department visiting the Foxconn factory near Chennai on Monday. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) also issued notices to the Tamil Nadu and Central government seeking a detailed report on the matter.
The NHRC, taking suo motu cognizance of media reports, stated that Foxconn, a major manufacturer of Apple devices, had systematically excluded married women from jobs at its iPhone assembly plant in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.
The Ministry of Labor issued a statement on June 26th, citing Section 5 of the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976, which clearly states that no discrimination should be made while recruiting men and women workers. The Ministry also stated that the state government is the appropriate authority for enforcing and administering the provisions of this Act.
The Reuters investigative story had alleged that Foxconn systematically excluded married women from assembly jobs at its main iPhone plant in India. These allegations sparked an investigation and subsequent reports by labor officials, which ultimately found no evidence to support the claims of discrimination.
