The Indian government has launched an investigation into allegations that Apple supplier Foxconn has been discriminating against married women in its hiring practices at its main iPhone plant in Tamil Nadu.
According to a Reuters investigation, Foxconn has been accused of excluding married women from job opportunities at its factory near Chennai, citing their family responsibilities as a reason for not hiring them. The federal labour ministry has emphasized that the law prohibits discrimination based on gender when recruiting workers.
Both Apple and the Tamil Nadu state government have yet to respond to requests for comment on the matter. The BBC has also reached out to Foxconn and the Tamil Nadu labour department for their statements.
Foxconn, known as the largest supplier of Apple iPhones, has been rapidly expanding its operations in India since setting up its first factory in Tamil Nadu in 2017. The company began assembling the iPhone 15 in the state in 2023 and recently partnered with Google to produce Pixel smartphones in Tamil Nadu.
Rights activists have expressed concern over the reports of discriminatory hiring practices at Foxconn, as many individuals rely on the company’s factories for employment opportunities. The investigation by Reuters revealed that hiring agents and Foxconn HR sources cited family duties, pregnancy, and higher absenteeism as reasons for not hiring married women at the plant.
This is not the first time Foxconn has faced scrutiny for its labour practices. In the past, the company has been accused of overworking and underpaying temporary workers at its factories in China, as well as facing protests from workers over unpaid dues in its iPhone factory in China.
The Indian government’s call for a detailed report from Tamil Nadu state signals a growing concern over the treatment of workers, particularly women, in the country’s manufacturing sector. The outcome of the investigation will shed light on the extent of discrimination and the steps needed to ensure fair and equal employment opportunities for all individuals.
