Apple discloses suppliers… kinda

Want to make an Apple fanatic uncomfortable? You can do it with just one word. Say “Foxconn” and watch them try not to make eye contact. That’s the Chinese company that assembles Apple products like the iPhone and iPad (other phones and tablets too, but we’re talking Apple here). It’s also the company where, starting a couple years back, workers started jumping to their deaths from the plant’s roof, because they could no longer deal with working conditions.

Apple has now released its first official Supplier Responsibility Report, which details working conditions at supply plants the company uses. It’s a significant step towards full disclosure that exposes its closely-guarded supply chain. 93 of 108 suppliers audited were found in violation of exceeding overtime rules. An even bigger concern, as Apple CEO, Tim Cook, points out is underage workers. The BBC quotes Cook: “‘I would like to totally eliminate every case of underage employment,’ he added. ‘This is something we feel very strongly about and we want to eliminate totally.’”

This is the first time that Apple has released a this report, and now that the documentation is out there, perhaps it will be more accountable