A report was recently submitted by the Regional Labour Commissioner of the Ministry of Labour, in Chennai, stating that no evidence was found to show that Foxconn was indulging in discriminatory practices while hiring.
It all started when a Reuters investigation revealed that Foxconn systematically avoided hiring married women for assembly jobs at its main Indian iPhone plant. The report by Reuters stated that Foxconn steered clear of hiring married women as they had family responsibilities to shoulder, were prone to pregnancy, and therefore, higher absenteeism. The report also stated that during peak production time, Foxconn was known to relax this practice. This led to investigations into the allegations by the Labour Ministry.
A five-member team from the regional labour department inspected the Foxconn facility near Chennai, Tamil Nadu, on 1 July. Many of the company directors and human resources officials were questioned.
Now, the Labour Ministry’s regional labour commissioner has absolved Foxconn of any discrimination during its hiring process as no evidence was found to prove otherwise.The Ministry of Labour and Employment has reportedly forwarded the report it received from the Tamil Nadu Labour Department to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
The investigation team reportedly spoke with 21 married women members of the workforce, who confirmed they had not been discriminated against when it came to pay or promotions. They admitted to enjoying maternity benefits as well as other facilities in accordance with the labour laws in Tamil Nadu state.
Foxconn had earlier refuted these allegations of discrimination and had clarified that as per company policy 25 per cent of its new hires were married women.
