By Kaveesha Fernando
NARASPURA, India (CWBN)_ Indian media reports that Karnataka Labour Minister Shivaram Hebbar expressed confidence over the weekend that Kolar’s iPhone manufacturing facility (operated by Taiwanese manufacturer Wistron Corporation) would become fully operational within the next 20 days.
It is unclear what remedies will be offered to those who protested over working conditions. Hebbar revealed that those who took part in the “vandalism” would be removed. He also stated that the government would ensure that workers are paid on time, adding that they are committed to ensuring that a strong rapport was established between the management and workers. The minister blamed the district administration for not reporting the incident to the labour department or the public representatives, stating that he felt the incident could have been averted if it was brought to his notice.
This isn’t the first issue Apple has had to face in the past few months with regards to labour violations. Multinational technology giant Apple Inc. stated last month that it would be halting business with Pegatron, another Taiwanese supplier, following the discovery that Pegatron had violated Apple’s rules by allowing student workers to work nights and overtime.
Employees are reported to have begun the riot at the Wistron plant, which caused extensive property damage amounting close to 440 crore (around 60 million USD), over the non-payment of salaries. International media reports that protestors smashed cars and golf carts, stole electronic devices and destroyed office equipment. Several labour violations and other issues with regards to working conditions were highlighted following the incident.
