24 January, 2012In January Fair Labor Association, a non-profit organization dedicated to ending sweatshop conditions in factories worldwide, announced Apple was admitted as a "Participating Company". That means that Apple promises to clean its supply chains from labour abuses during the coming two years. While welcoming this move GoodElectronics promises to watch closely whether the membership means Apple takes action on key problems.
NETHERLANDS: On January 17, 2012 GoodElectronics commented the fact that Apple joined the Fair Labor Association (FLA). FLA works with international brands across all sectors to establish social responsibility systems. FLA has been active mainly in the garment sector. Apple is the first technology company joining FLA. The IMF has concentrated its efforts in the electronics sector on the GoodElectronics network, which aims to contribute to human rights and sustainability in the global electronics sector. IMF is a member of the GoodElectronics network.
While welcoming Apple's initiative GoodElectronics argues it is too early to tell whether this is a genuine effort by Apple to address labour abuses in its supply chain, or merely a way of improving its credentials without actually delivering. According to FLA's member obligations Apple is given two years to comply with the FLA Workplace Code of Conduct, based on International Labour Organization standards.
However, Apple is criticised for failing to engage with groups that have pointed to concrete problems with Apple suppliers. Thus in 2011, GoodElectronics and makeITfair conducted a campaign focusing on Apple, 'Time to bite into a fair Apple', urging Apple to improve its communication with international stakeholders. In connection to the notorious case of suicides at Foxconn in China, Apple did not establish a proper dialogue with trade unions and labour rights organizations. Instead of improving working conditions, the company forced workers to promise not to harm themselves.
GoodElectronics argues that improvements can be achieved if Apple pays its suppliers fair prices and applies acceptable delivery times. Manufacturers would then be able to pay workers a decent living wage. So far, Apple has ignored these suggestions. The comment from GoodElectronics also criticises the FLA for lack of transparency and union representation in its board as well as insufficient demand for union presence in member-companies. Full text of the press-release is available at GoodElectronics website.