Current Event #4:Foxconn and Labor Laws

Foxconn's iPhone factories have recently been receiving a lot of attention based on working conditions.  Apple hired the Fair Labor Association to investigate the factories and there was an ABC documentary on factories and the working conditions there.  While many of the workers in these factories are living better lives than they would be without factory jobs and living in villages, the working conditions in China as a whole are still sub par.  

Because many people believe that the factories have poor working conditions, they argue that out sourced products should be sent to countries South Korea, Taiwan, or Japan which all have better enforced laws.  This is a faulty argument that would actually further hurt Chinese factory workers however.  It would be impossible to avoid importing tons of things from China, so instead of thinking of how to avoid supporting their poorly enforced labor laws, companies should try to change them.  Companies that outsource their labor would be in a position of power to force Chinese factories to improve working conditions to a satisfactory level.  

As information is more easily accessible, the preference for free trade and good working conditions are more important to consumers.   Often it would also be in keeping with brand images like Apple's image.  Increasing openness in the Chinese factories and their conditions would help to guarantee better working conditions which would help all parties involved from workers to consumers. 

http://www.economist.com/blogs/2012/02/foxconn-and-labour-laws