Slashdot Mirror
Apple Enforces "Supplier Code of Conduct" After Child Labor Discovery
reporter writes "Since 2006, Apple has regularly audited its manufacturing partners to ensure that they conform to Apple's Supplier Code of Conduct (ASCC), which essentially codifies Western ethical standards with regard to the environment, labor, business conduct, etc. Core violations of ASCC 'include abuse, underage employment, involuntary labor, falsification of audit materials, threats to worker safety, intimidation or retaliation against workers in the audit and serious threats to the environment. Apple said it requires facilities it has found to have a core violation to address the situation immediately and institute a system that insures compliance. Additionally, the facility is placed on probation and later re-audited.' Apple checks 102 facilities, most of which are located in Asia, and these facilities employ 133,000 workers. The most recent audit of Apple's partners revealed 17 violations of ASCC. The violations include hiring workers who were as young as 15 years of age, incorrectly disposing of hazardous waste, and falsifying records. In Apple's recently released Supplier Responsibility 2010 Progress Report (PDF), they condemned the violations and threatened to terminate their business with facilities that did not change their ways."
i thought they couldnt get any lower
I can't believe I'm reading about Apple, of all companies, enforcing regulations like these overseas. It's more White Man's Burden than Protect The Children. But really, when you think about it, those two concepts are essentially the same, and it reeks of condescension.
"Apple: The New Colonialism" (TM)
So Apple is to give a new code of conduct for it's suppliers, I too have a code of conduct, "Don't buy Apple products." I think mine trumps Apple's code of conduct, whatever their PR department says.
Take Nobody's Word For It.
Yet again Apple is heralded on Slashdot for "inventing" something the rest of the business has been doing for years. See EICC or Dell's involvement in it which started in 2004. Apple has been criticized for many years for the sweatshop suppliers they use for the iPod and iPhone. And now all is forgiven because of empty ceremonial lip service?
Football Odds
Did they not get caught doing this same crap, and sing the same tune a few years back?
I seem to remember this from 2 or 3 years ago... same tune... do it again and we won't do business with you.
Apple is full of hot air... who will make their Chinese overpriced computers for them if they don't use these suppliers?
Stuff like this: http://www.wired.com/gadgets/mac/commentary/cultofmac/2006/06/71138
Ya.. Apple is really going to do something about it this time for sure... mmhmmm.....