Apple's Manufacturer In China Promises Labor Reforms

This article illustrates the positive power that the press can have when it puts a little sunshine on an important issue. A couple of weeks ago the NYT published an article critical of Foxconn, which has 1.2 million employees, and is Apple's manufacturing contractor in China. Apple immediately asked a third party to investigate the allegations about labor practices that are in violation of Chinese law. This article describes some of those practices and Foxconn's willingness to make corrections. Apple's new CEO has also taken a trip to China to in order view things at Foxconn first hand. This is a smart move on Apple's part. It has has established a remarkable record as an innovator of technologies that have been enormously successful in the marketplace. It would be foolish ignore an issue that could tarnish its image and the success of its products.