After riots, iPhone manufacturer says it “deeply regrets” exploiting workers

Enlarge / The Wistron factory in Narsapura, India. (credit: Getty Images / MANJUNATH KIRAN)

Earlier this month, employees at an Indian iPhone manufacturer, Wistron, erupted into violent protests that caused up to $7 million in damages. Employees said they weren't being paid what they were promised, and they started smashing up the place in retaliation. Apple said it would investigate. This weekend, Apple came to a preliminary conclusion. In a statement (available in full at the HindustanTimes) Apple said it found "violations of our Supplier Code of Conduct" and that it would put Wistron on "probation."

Apple's findings back up the worker complaints, which said Wistron wasn't paying the salaries it promised when it hired workers. Apple's take on the situation said, "Our preliminary findings indicate violations of our Supplier Code of Conduct by failing to implement proper working hour management processes. This led to payment delays for some workers in October and November."

The company continues: "We have placed Wistron on probation and they will not receive any new business from Apple before they complete corrective actions. Apple employees, along with independent auditors, will monitor their progress. Our main objective is to make sure all the workers are treated with dignity and respect, and fully compensated promptly."

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