American corporations have invested billions of dollars into Chinese manufacturing to produce their products at lower cost and high throughput. This trend is very apparent in the technology sector, with big players such as Intel, IBM, Sony, Motorola, Lenovo, etc. having their products mass-produced in Chinese factories.
One such company, Apple, Inc. has come under the spotlight in this New York Times article: http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/26/business/ieconomy-apples-ipad-and-the-human-costs-for-workers-in-china.html?src=me&ref=general
With ever-growing demand for iPads, iPhones, etc. Apple is in a position where they dictate costs paid to their suppliers, demand high volume in return, and oversee human rights violations in their supply chain with the supposed intent of eliminating these issues from their entire supply chain. The NYT article highlights the steps that Apple has taken to address human rights at manufacturing facilities in China, but the piece also questions whether the technology giant adheres to what they say on paper.
But whose responsiblity is it to ensure that human rights violations are eradicated from Chinese manufacturing facilities? Chinese corporations? American corporations with FDI in China? The Chinese labor force? The Chinese Government? The American Government? Depending on who you talk to, you might be surprised at the answers you get.
So my question to you is simple: Should Apple be held responsible and accountable for human rights violations in their supply chain? Please comment, discuss, and cast your votes below!
Apple can put in a request as to how employees get treated, but I feel like they would be overstepping their power if they demanded it. If they want, they can take their business to another factory.
ReplyDeleteBut even if they were to be treated relatively well, it's a losing battle for American labor. We're not going to compete with people that sleep in their factories.