A new report published by China Labor Watch (CLW) makes serious accusations that the company ignored irregular and abusive working conditions at Foxconn’s Zhengzhou facility, a key supplier to Apple. Comparing the 2019 report with the current situation in 2025, CLW claims that conditions have barely improved after six years.
The Apple-Foxconn situation has been ongoing
China Labor Watch, an independent, non-profit organization founded in 2000 that advocates for labor rights, has been highlighting alleged labor violations at Apple suppliers (especially Pegatron and Foxconn) for years.
A comparative study released this week shows that the use of underage vocational high school students documented in 2019 ended in the 2025 report. However, according to CLW, this was the only significant improvement recorded.
The report alleges that Chinese authorities were aware of these problems but “turned a blind eye to them in exchange for Apple’s technology transfers.” As a result of this agreement, mass production of the new iPhone 17 has begun at Foxconn Zhengzhou.
CLW summarizes the problems compared between 2019 and 2025, noting that issues such as the “wage system,” “ethnic/regional discrimination,” “information control,” and “job security” have worsened.
It also emphasizes that issues such as “overtime,” “student use,” “wage levels,” “education,” “union,” “gender/pregnancy discrimination,” and “dormitory conditions” have remained unchanged for six years.
Another point highlighted in the report is the stagnation of wages. It states that the official base wage in 2025 will remain at the same level as in 2019, between 2,100 and 2,400 RMB (approximately $294-$336). With overtime and bonuses, this salary only increases to roughly 3,000 RMB (approximately $420).
Apple added that its suppliers are required to provide safe working conditions, treat workers with respect, and adhere to ethical principles. The company said in a statement:
“We regularly conduct third-party audits, and when an issue arises anywhere in our supply chain, we take immediate action to ensure our high standards are maintained. In this case, Apple teams have initiated on-site investigations and launched an urgent investigation.”
So, what are your thoughts on this? Share them in the comments.
