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Apple invites labor practices review in overseas factories

Source:| USAToday.com Release Date:2012-01-16 447
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Apple's efforts are its latest to shore up working conditions after reports of 12 suicides at Chinese partner factories

By Scott Martin, USA TODAY

Apple is admitting outside monitors into the hush-hush overseas factories assembling its iconic devices in a bid to head off labor criticisms and portray an image of responsible corporate citizen.

The company reported a list of its major parts suppliers and forged an agreement for independent review of its labor practices by the non-profit Fair Labor Association, which aims to improve workplace conditions around the globe.

Apple's efforts are its latest to shore up working conditions after reports of 12 suicides at Chinese partner factories. "We welcome Apple's commitment to greater transparency and independent oversight," says Auret van Heerden, CEO of the Washington-based labor group.

Apple has taken hits to its image for sweatshop manufacturing conditions despite steps in the past six years to improve.

The company reported on its latest efforts to thwart underage labor, exposure to toxic substances and excessive work hours at manufacturers. Apple said just 38% of facilities were in compliance with requirements for a maximum workweek of 60 hours. Five facilities had underage workers, and two were found to have involuntary labor.

Apple's report unmasked 156 of the companies who help build its products. The company also reported the number of audits it conducted on those factories rose 80% in 2011 from the previous year. "Last year we performed more than 200 audits at our suppliers' facilities around the world," says Jeff Williams, Apple's senior vice president of operations.

Vocal Apple critic Greenpeace says audits need to be unannounced. "Otherwise, you get a rose-colored-glasses view of these factories," says Casey Harrell, an analyst at Greenpeace.

Apple noted that it conducts a number of "surprise audits" every year but did not disclose exact figures. The company said in the report: "We're working to make sure our suppliers are not just showing us what they want us to see."

Apple's widening disclosures on suppliers are a measure of its rising role as a global corporate citizen. Consumers will increasingly hold the world's most valuable technology company to a higher standard, says Allen Adamson, managing director of global branding firm Landor. "Consumers are very quick to vote with their wallet — or even quicker to vote with their Facebook account — to say, 'Don't buy them,' " Adamson says.

Separately, Apple's iPhone 4S smartphone went on sale in China and 21 other countries on Friday. The launch touched off a buying frenzy as lines of consumers camped out in China.

However, Apple shoppers became outraged and chanted outside when the main store in BeijingAir Jordan XIII Low

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