Apple begins audit of iPod factory conditions

Apple said today that it has begun a “thorough audit” of the Chinese iPod factory operated by Foxconn, which recently came under fire for poor working conditions. “Apple has begun a thorough audit of the manufacturing plant operated by Foxconn in Longhua, China,” said Apple spokesman Steve Dowling. The audit will look at “employee working and living conditions, interviews of employees and managers, compliance with overtime and wage regulations, and other areas as necessary to insure adherence to Apple’s supplier code of conduct,” Dowling said. Foxconn denies any wrongdoing. “Foxconn’s employment practices are completely in accordance with the requirements of Shenzhen labor supervision departments and the Shenzhen Labor Supervision Bureau can come to our factory to carry out inspections,” Foxconn spokeswoman Miss He said.