Protests at Apple supplier Foxconn – economy

There have been protests and riots around the world’s largest iPhone factory because of the strict corona measures in China. The Taiwanese Apple supplier Foxconn, which operates the plant in the Chinese metropolis of Zhengzhou, confirmed the clashes. “Regarding the violent acts, the company will continue to communicate with employees and the government to prevent similar things from happening again in the future,” Foxconn said.

As seen in videos shared on social media, it happened both at night and in daylight tumultuous scenes around the plant. hundreds of workers gathered and marched against a large contingent of security forces. Police officers with batons and plastic shields tried to push people backn. Clashes occurred. Some workers have been apparently injured.

A few weeks ago, there was unrest around the Foxconn plant in Zhengzhou, where around 200,000 people work. Thousands of employees had fled for fear of infection or the strict measures. Foxconn then offered employees higher wages if they chose to return despite the restrictions.

But the plant continued to operate in a so-called “closed circuit”: Employees were not allowed to leave the factory premises. Foxconn said it has received questions from new employees about their salaries. These would be paid out as provided for in the contracts. Rumors that employees have to share their accommodation with infected colleagues are wrong. The information could not be independently verified.

Last week there were also protests against the government’s corona measures in the southern Chinese metropolis of Guangzhou. Angry migrant workers tore down numerous barricades there.

While most countries around the world are trying to live with the virus, China is still pursuing a strict zero-Covid strategy of lockdowns, mass daily testing, strict control, contact tracing and forced quarantine. Nevertheless, the number of new infections has increased sharply again in the past few weeks. The situation appears increasingly confusing.


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