Apple supplier Foxconn faced a fresh wave of labor misuse allegations on eve of the unveiling of the long-awaited iPhone 5 on Wednesday. According to a recent article by the state-run newspaper China Daily, Chinese vocational schools are forcing students to work on the assembly line for the Taiwanese-based technology company.
Geoffrey Crothall, director of communications at the China Labor Bulletin, said he hoped iPhone 5 buyers would understand what went into the making of their new gadgets. Apple and Foxconn came under fire over conditions at the plants blamed for a series of suicides in 2010.
The Fair Labor Association, which the two firms enlisted to monitor their labor conditions, said in late August working conditions at Chinese factories that make most of the world's iPads and iPhones have improved.
Earlier this year, the FLA -- of which Apple is a member -- found multiple violations of Labor law, including extreme hours, after launching one of the largest investigations ever conducted of an American company's operations outside the United States.
Apple, the world's most valuable company, and Foxconn agreed to slash overtime, improve safety, hire new workers and upgrade dormitories. The iPhone 5, to be unveiled on Wednesday, is widely expected to offer 4G wireless technology for the first time, and a 4-inch display, up from the current 3.5 inches.
