Labour Ministry Clears Foxconn Of Discriminatory Hiring Allegations At India's iPhone Plant

The labour ministry's regional labour commissioner in Chennai has exonerated Foxconn's Chennai plant over recent allegations of discriminatory hiring practices, according to a person with knowledge of the matter.

The report, verified by NDTV Profit, was submitted by the Regional Labour Commissioner (C), Chennai. It revealed there was no evidence of discriminatory practices against married women, in terms of employment and recruitment practices, at the Foxconn iPhone factory in Chennai.

The action was prompted by allegations of discriminatory practices reported in the media last month, that further prompted a site visit and interviews and examination of records.

The labour ministry team interacted with 21 female employees who were all married. The female workers confirmed that they were not facing any form of discrimination concerning wages and promotions, the report stated.

They also stated that they were getting maternity benefits and all other welfare amenities, as per the labour laws prevailing in Tamil Nadu.

Foxconn had previously refuted the report. It's female employee headcount stood was 33,360 out of a total of 41,231 employees, the company said. Of this, 2,520 married women are currently employed at the Chennai facility, including in the night shift.

A response is expected from the state government on the matter before the findings are firmed up.