Akshata Sharma
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The Indian government has called on the Tamil Nadu government and invoked an act of parliament ordering a probe into allegations of not hiring married women at the iPhone maker and supplier, Foxconn.
The company's decision was prompted by a Reuters report that revealed discriminatory hiring practices at iPhone assembly jobs at the company.
The report accuses Foxconn of systematically denying employment to married women at its main iPhone plant near Chennai, apparently because of their family responsibilities, potential pregnancies and higher absenteeism.
Now, the Ministry of Labour and Employment has asked for a "detailed report" from Tamil Nadu.
The Ministry has enforced the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976, which prohibits gender-based discrimination in recruitment.
It has also instructed the office of the Regional Chief Labour Commissioner to provide a "factual report".
Although Apple and Foxconn acknowledged errors in their hiring practices in 2022, they have not addressed incidents that occurred in 2023 and 2024.
The companies, along with the Tamil Nadu state government, are yet to respond to the recent government statement. Apple stated that it took immediate action after concerns were raised in 2022 regarding the hiring practices.
Foxconn denied allegations of discrimination in its hiring process.
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