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Microsoft Mice Made in Chinese Youth Sweatshops?

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the they-get-a-discount-right dept.

An anonymous reader writes "The National Labor Committee offers an in-depth look into working conditions in Chinese sweatshops producing hardware (mice, etc.) for Microsoft, complete with pictures. Apparently, so called 'work study students,' 16 and 17 years of age, work 15-hour shifts, six and seven days a week, for around 65 cents per hour. Microsoft said it is taking the claims seriously and has 'commenced an investigation.'"

2 of 481 comments (clear)

  1. More companies too by sopssa · · Score: 5, Informative

    MS is probably the most catchy one, but the factory produces and packages hardware for a lot more USA companies too:

    KYE factory in China, which manufactures computer mice and webcams for Microsoft, Hewlett Packard, Samsung, Best Buy, Foxconn, Acer, Logitech, ASUS and other US companies.

    Earlier also Apple products were done by child labor at many factories.

    These companies should move their factories to US or EU. But it's cheaper there and this is one of the reasons why. As long as it's cheaper, they don't care about ethics.

  2. Sweatshop? Only by your standard by jsse · · Score: 5, Informative

    I'm not here to pro-Microsoft, but....

    65 cents x 15 hours x 24 days (people work 6 days a week there) = US$234 ~= RMB1,614.00

    The wage is much more than the average of the workers there. The starting salary of a factory worker is no more than US$100/mth, an experienced worker (>2 yrs exp) might not be able to ask for more than US$200/mth.

    Also, from what I've seen in the article, the working environment is MUCH better than any other factories I've ever seen in China.

    Still, I agree that the working hours are too long, but I'm sure the workers there are more than willing to work more than you'd ask for, given high-paid.