It is disturbing to read the reports of worker problems in Chinese plants that manufacture Apple products. Yet, the problems are not new, they are not limited to Apple contracted facilities, nor are they ignored by Apple.
I published an article on MacMost.com today about the problem 
that focuses more on the news reaching “critical mass,” than the gory details of the mess. You can find my article, “Apple in China and Where We Get Our News, ” from this link.
After reading a number of rather depressing articles, I chose a few that you should peruse, if you want to delve deeper into the problems faced by Apple. Sometimes charts are easier to digest, and the New York Times offers a series of those too: “Apple’s Suppliers Compliance by the Numbers.”
If you have other suggestions, please add them to the Comments below.
Background on Apple, US Policy, and Chinese Plant Problems
- Apple. “Supplier Responsibility at Apple.” 2012.
- Charles Duhigg and Keith Bradsher. “How the U.S. Lost Out on iPhone Work.” The New York Times, 1/21/12.
- Charles Duhigg and David Barboza. “In China, Human Costs Are Built Into an iPad.” The New York Times, 1/25/12.
- Garside, Juliette. “Apple’s Chinese factories to be audited after violation of working conditions.” Guardian News and Media Limited, 1/24/12.
- Gurman, Mark. “Tim Cook responds to claims of factory worker mistreatment: ‘We care about every worker in our supply chain.’” 9 to 5 Mac, 1/26/12.
- Chan, Royston. “Chinese factory workers appeal to Apple over health worries.” The China Post, 2/23/11.
- Kan, Michael. “Odor from Apple supplier factory in China unbearable, residents say.” IT World, 10/18/11.
- Lum, Thomas, Specialist in Asian Affairs. “Human Rights in China and U.S. Policy.” Congressional Research Service, 7/18/11. (Opens a PDF)
- Musgrove, Mike. “Sweatshop Conditions at IPod Factory Reported.” The Washington Post, 6/16/06.
- Worstall, Ken. “The Apple Boycott: People Are Spouting Nonsense about Chinese Manufacturing.” Forbes, 1/29/12.
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About ileneh
I am a Macintosh expert, writer and photographer. I have published many articles on Apple related products, but I cut my writer's teeth producing grants and market research reports when the Web was just something a spider made. I've also worked as a photographer, dancer and social worker.
ilene's Machine was born in 2000 when I realized everything I did involved some kind of machine. First, my answering machine, next a Vic 20, then a Mac 128. Add a variety of Macintosh machines and iOS devices over the years and before you know it, you have reached ilene's Machine. Please leave a message!
ilenes machine 
Apple in China and Where We Get Our News Companion Article
It is disturbing to read the reports of worker problems in Chinese plants that manufacture Apple products. Yet, the problems are not new, they are not limited to Apple contracted facilities, nor are they ignored by Apple.
I published an article on MacMost.com today about the problem
that focuses more on the news reaching “critical mass,” than the gory details of the mess. You can find my article, “Apple in China and Where We Get Our News, ” from this link.
After reading a number of rather depressing articles, I chose a few that you should peruse, if you want to delve deeper into the problems faced by Apple. Sometimes charts are easier to digest, and the New York Times offers a series of those too: “Apple’s Suppliers Compliance by the Numbers.”
If you have other suggestions, please add them to the Comments below.
Background on Apple, US Policy, and Chinese Plant Problems
Share to show others what you like:
Like this:
About ileneh
I am a Macintosh expert, writer and photographer. I have published many articles on Apple related products, but I cut my writer's teeth producing grants and market research reports when the Web was just something a spider made. I've also worked as a photographer, dancer and social worker. ilene's Machine was born in 2000 when I realized everything I did involved some kind of machine. First, my answering machine, next a Vic 20, then a Mac 128. Add a variety of Macintosh machines and iOS devices over the years and before you know it, you have reached ilene's Machine. Please leave a message!