- Foxconn denies claims on social media by Foxconn that its workers were suffering from COVID at their dormitory.
- Unverified online videos claimed that eight workers were killed in a single dormitory.
- Foxconn called the footage “maliciously cut” and claimed that no workers died at its facility.
Foxconn, Apple’s largest iPhone manufacturer, denies claims that its workers were affected by COVID-19 at its Zhengzhou plant, China.
“Following an in-depth investigation into the online footage alleging deaths at room 726,” Hon Hai Technology Group (Foxconn), solemnly clarified that there were no deaths at the facility, the company stated in a statement to Insider.
Foxconn also stated that the footage was not “maliciously edited” in its statement.
Insider has seen the videos. They show workers protesting confinement in their dormitories. Captions claim that eight of them died in their shared room. Foxconn’s Zhengzhou facility employs around 200,000 workers — many of whom are from rural villages and towns — and operates dormitories to house them.
The clips may show staff dressed in white protective suits, standing in a courtyard surrounded with residential blocks. There are also wails and yells.
A Chinese dissident tweeted a compilation from the clips. Bloomberg first reported.The video has received more than 500,000 views.Â
Insider could not independently verify the authenticity of the videos.Â
Massive protests over Foxconn workers attempting to escape COVID-like prison confinement
Recent attention was drawn to Foxconn’s Zhengzhou plant by Chinese social media. videos emergedMany of the workers climbed over fences and walked back to their homes to escape COVID-19 prison-like measures at the plant. An insider couldn’t independently verify the authenticity or legitimacy of the videos.
Foxconn took the video virally and began to manufacture it. AnnouncementSunday, the company announced that vehicle transportation would be arranged for employees who want to return home.
VCG / Contributor
The temporary arrangement was made by the facility. “Closed loop system”In mid-October after a small outbreak of coronavirus at the plant. The system requires workers to be moved directly from their dormitories to work at the factory. In accordance with Beijing’s strict zero-COVID mandate, the system allows the factory’s to function while trying to eliminate any trace of virus.
The workers are not allowed to leave the premises, and it has also severely restricted their movement. There was also growing discontent over the possibility of food shortages. Production line employees were only given meal boxes, while other workers were provided with basic food such as bread and instant noodles. Bloomberg reported.
The global supply of iPhones could be in trouble due to the outbreak and subsequent developments with Foxconn workers.
Taiwan-based electronics producer produces approximately 70% of Apple’s global iPhone sales. According to Reuters.According to the outlet, production of the iPhone could drop by up to 30% because of COVID-19.
ReutersAnd BloombergSeparately, Foxconn reported this week that it is increasing workers’ wages at Zhengzhou in an effort to increase profitability. Ensure that the company has a steady workforce during departures.
