Foxconn, the company that is leading China's iPhone production, apologizes for the pay issue at the factory, which occurred because of a technical error that occurred during hiring.
According to Reuters, because of the pay-related issue, and the COVID-19 lockdown that hit the factory, a fresh protest has been initiated by the workers.
The Manufacturer Is Offering Protesters A Settlement to End The Labor Unrest
The iPhone manufacturer started offering workers $1,400 (10,000 Yuan) to settle the conflict, and end the protest initiated by its employees at the assembly factory in Zhengzhou, also known as iPhone City.
A violent protest erupted at the facility, encouraging staff to quit after the payout equivalent to up to two months of wages were withheld.
Additionally, The Verge writes that the working conditions at the factory were also made worse as Foxconn suffered a strict lockdown due to the coronavirus.
Apple's partner manufacturer allegedly made an offer via a text message from its human resource department after, asking workers to return to their quarters.
The company also vowed to honor pay agreements, even offering around $1,120 (8,000 Yuan) to those who agreed to quit, and another $280 (2,000 Yuan) when they board the buses to leave Zhengzhou.
It can be remembered that in adherence to China's zero-COVID policy following an outbreak in the factory, iPhone City was put into lockdown.
After this, workers started to flee from the premises of the facility, where over 100,000 people were filing for resignation.
Because of this, a document highlighting salary packages for Foxconn's new hires promised them a $420 (3,000 Yuan) subsidy, CNN Business reports.
The new hires will get this once they complete 30 days on the job, and a second $420 bonus will be given to them once they reach the 60-day mark.
The protests erupted once the workers were informed that the payments will be delayed until next year, which means that they need to work more days to get their bonuses.
According to The Verge, Foxconn has admitted to the workers that the payment date arrangements were only a miscommunication during onboarding.
Videos Circulating Online Show That The Protests Have Become Violent
Kten reports that during the protest at Zhengzhou, a number of workers clashed against security forces and SWAT team forces that were sent to the factory.
A video making its round on social media even showed groups of law enforcement officers in hazmat suits kicking and hitting protesters with metal rods.
In retaliation, the workers are seen tearing down fences, throwing bottles and making barriers at the officers, and overturning and smashing down police vehicles.
Other protesters took their retaliation one step further as they break into the production compound to smash COVID testing booths, glass doors, and advertising boards in the area.
Because of the protest coverage and livestreams of the mobilization on video platforms, more workers decided to join the protests.
These streams were cut and shut down shortly after, and online searches for Foxconn have been censored and restricted, according to Kten.
