The Ministry of Labour, Government of India, has sought a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu government about the hiring practices at Foxconn’s iPhone plant in the state. Reuters had earlier reported that Foxconn avoids hiring married women at its plant.
Since Section 5 of the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976—which clearly states that men and women should not be discriminated against when it comes to hiring—is meant to be enforced and implemented by the state government, the Ministry has asked the Tamil Nadu government to look into the matter and submit a comprehensive report.
According to the Reuters report, Foxconn steers clear of hiring married women because their commitment to family and domestic responsibilities affects productivity, and because their wearing jewellery (as per Hindu traditions) hampers their work, given the nature of the work. Additionally, there are security issues associated with wearing jewellery.
It is reported that certain recruitment agencies working for Foxconn have helped to hide the marital status of women candidates just so that they land a job at the plant.
Earlier, in 2022, both Apple and Foxconn had admitted that there were drawbacks in their recruitment process. They had assured at the time that the loopholes would be rectified. However, the recent Reuters report suggests that hiring practices have not changed.
It is pertinent to mention here that a little over a year ago, Apple had requested for changes in India’s labour laws to enhance local production. Apple had actively lobbied for changes to labour regulations that would bring factory shifts in line with working hours in China.
