Foxconn, the manufacturer of Apple iPhones, has reportedly informed the government that 25 per cent of its recent hires are married women. Foxconn also clarified its safety protocol, which mandates all employees, regardless of gender or religion, to refrain from wearing metal.
According to a PTI report citing sources, Foxconn emphasised that this policy is not discriminatory, addressing concerns raised after reports suggested it was not hiring married women. The firm indicated in an informal communication with the government that such claims may have originated from individuals who were not selected rather than being based on company policy.
Meanwhile, on Wednesday, the Ministry of Labour and Employment requested a comprehensive report from the Tamil Nadu labour department regarding the reported issue of married women being barred from working at the Foxconn India Apple iPhone Plant, as highlighted in the media. “Section 5 of the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 clearly stipulates that no discrimination is to be made while recruiting men and women workers,” the union labour ministry said in its statement.
“Foxconn had clarified that 25 per cent of the latest hires are married women. This would mean nearly one-third of the total women are married. This ratio compares favourably to any factory in this sector currently operating in India,” sources told the news agency.
The Foxconn factory currently employs approximately 70 per cent women and 30 per cent men. The Tamil Nadu plant is noted as the largest factory for women employment in the country, with total employment reaching 45,000 workers during peak periods, as per the report.
The iPhone maker clarified that discussions regarding discrimination against Hindu married women for wearing metal (ornaments and jewellery) are “completely biased.” They emphasised that wearing metal in such factories is a safety concern, acknowledged by both the industry and the government, states the report.
They further stressed that such media reports negatively impacted the rapidly expanding Indian manufacturing sector.
“Any person wearing metals – man or woman – regardless of their status (single or married) and their religion (Hindu, Muslim, Christian, Sikh etc.) are required to remove metals while working in the factory,” sources told PTI quoting the company’s informal note.
As a safety measure, individuals wearing metal are prohibited from working on the shop floor, a standard practice across various industries. The company clarified that the media report stems from anecdotal remarks made by 5-10 individuals, likely job applicants who were not hired or former employees of Foxconn, claims the report.
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