Workers Rights in China?

In a recent Economist article titled "Core and Periphery," Apple's finds in its own internal audits were used to better understand workers rights in China. Apple usually keeps very tight controls on the companies that assemble its products, and will audit them from time to time. With a recent audit, they discovered something they were not very happy with.

Apple found companies that were violating both Chinese law, and company guidelines. They found underage workers, caused pollution by dumping hazardous waste, and had many other issues involving pay and discrimination. These problems are said to be extensive in many companies that manufacture products for the west, but they are hidden.

Besides these common problems, there were hours and safety violations. However, the one violation that was not illegal, but was against Apple policy, was "discriminating agains pregnant women." This type of auditing can bring many issues in Chinese factories into the view of the world, while China still prohibits foreign reporters and "censorship of the press."

The manufacturing facilites unfortunately "stated that Apple was the only company that had ever audited their facility for supplier responsibility." While Apple is finding these problems and correcting them, it would appear that all of the other firms are simply ignoring the rights of Chinese workers.

This article clearly shows how easy it would be to hold China, or at least Chinese factories, accountable for their horrid working conditions. If more companies that sourced supplies or manufacturing services through China would do this, then the human rights in China might improve.

The fact that China has not shared this information by itself shows that either the government does not care, or they want to cover up their problems. The lack of free speech and press prevents much of this type of news from reaching those who would do something to fix the problems in the manufacturing sector. There are basic human rights violations, and problems with China's undemocratic ways that are preventing it from making the progress it needs to make. The government not seeming to have done anything to protect its workers by enforcing laws, also detracts from its legitimacy.

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