Official statements from Apple, Indian government, or labor unions

Apple Supplier Foxconn Excludes Married Women from iPhone Assembly Jobs in India

Jun 25, 2024, 10:39 AM

A Reuters investigation has revealed that Foxconn, a key supplier for Apple, has been systematically excluding married women from jobs at its main iPhone assembly plant in India. The investigation found that married women are being turned away due to perceived higher family responsibilities, pregnancy, and higher absenteeism. This practice violates Foxconn's anti-discrimination policies. Former employees and job applicants, including Parvathi and Janaki, have reported being asked about their marital status during interviews and being rejected if they were married. Additionally, concerns about married women wearing jewelry that could interfere with the manufacturing process were cited as reasons for their exclusion. S. Paul, a former human resources executive at Foxconn, mentioned that management advises hiring vendors not to mention marital and age criteria in their job advertisements.