The Indian government has launched an investigation into Foxconn, an Apple supplier, following allegations that the company systematically discriminated against married women in hiring practices at its iPhone assembly facility in Chennai. The Ministry of Labour issued a statement on June 26, demanding a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu government addressing these concerns. The statement cited Section 5 of the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976, which prohibits discrimination based on gender in recruitment.
The investigation was triggered by media reports detailing alleged discriminatory practices at Foxconn’s Sriperumbudur plant near Chennai. According to a Reuters investigation, married women were routinely excluded from jobs at the facility since 2023, based on the assumption that they have greater family responsibilities compared to their unmarried counterparts.
Several former and current employees, including a former human resources executive at Foxconn India, corroborated the claims of systematic exclusion. They stated that the company viewed married women as a higher risk due to potential family obligations and societal pressures.
Apple, in a statement, denied any discriminatory practices and highlighted that Foxconn employs some married women in India. They also stated that they have conducted monthly audits since 2022 to address any concerns about hiring practices. However, the Reuters report highlighted that the discriminatory practices documented took place in 2023 and 2024, suggesting that the company’s efforts to address the issue may not have been entirely effective.
Foxconn also refuted the allegations, claiming that in its recent recruitment drive, nearly 25% of the women hired were married. The company, however, did not specify the number or location of these hires.
The investigation into Foxconn’s hiring practices has sparked concerns about discriminatory employment practices and the need for equal opportunities in the workplace. The Indian government’s demand for a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu government indicates a serious commitment to addressing these concerns and ensuring that all workers have access to fair and equal employment opportunities.
