http://gizmodo.com/5517137/microsoft-supplier-factory-workers-live-like-prisonersA report by the National Labor Committee hones in on conditions at a factory, run by a company called KYE, which produces hardware (mice, webcams, and some Xbox components) for Microsoft, as well as components for Hewlett Packard, Best Buy, Samsung, Foxconn, Acer, Logitech and Asus, albeit on a smaller scale. They've also got their own brand, called Genius, which you've probably seen in the bargain bin at K-Mart once or twice. The conditions—supported by photographic, not just anecdotal evidence—sound downright horrendous:
• Workers are hired as "work study students" as young as 16 years of age
• They work extremely long shifts, typically "from 7:45 a.m. to 10:55 p.m," for $0.65/hr, less food deductions.
(Actual wage: $0.52/hr.)• As is common in large manufacturing operations in China, the workers live onsite:
Fourteen workers share each primitive dorm room, sleeping on narrow double-level bunk beds. To "shower," workers fetch hot water in a small plastic bucket to take a sponge bath. Workers describe factory food as awful.
• Workers are kept from leaving campus, except during designated hours
• There are reports of sexual harassment of female workers by male security guards
To their credit, Microsoft responded to the report almost immediately, telling the Seattle PI:
Microsoft is committed to the fair treatment and safety of workers employed by our vendors. Microsoft has invested heavily in a vendor accountability program and robust independent third-party auditing program to ensure conformance to the Microsoft Vendor Code of Conduct.
We are aware of the NLC report and we have commenced an investigation. We take these claims seriously, and we will take appropriate remedial measures in regard to any findings of vendor misconduct.
<SNIP>
