Apple computer made over $14 billion in the fourth quarter of last year alone – yet workers in companies that supply its products overseas, particularly in China are paid low wages and suffer from horrible working conditions. Some have resorted to suicide in protest.

A petition drive directed at Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has been launched demanding the computer giant treat its workers fairly. The petition is being circulated by the AFL-CIO. It can be signed here.

Apple – which makes Mac computers and iPhones – has been accused by China’s Institute of Public and Environmental Affairs of practices that sharply differ from its highly polished corporate image. “Behind their stylish image Apple products have a side that many do not know about – pollution and poison. This side is hidden deep within the company’s secretive supply chain, out of view from the public.”

Apple has responded to these charges by appearing to raise wages and conduct an investigation. These measures, however, seem to be just another corporate maneuver.

The AFL-CIO writes: “According to Students & Scholars Against Corporate Misbehavior:

The new basic wage…only applies to the workers in Shenzhen. In inland provinces, where two-thirds of production workers are based, basic salary remains meager. Given that the inflation in China is high, Foxconn is just following the trend of wage increase in the electronics industry in China.”

As for the inspections: “These inspections will not expose-or begin to solve-Apple’s problems. The FLA is funded and controlled by the multinational corporations it oversees, which means it is not at all independent.”

Write to Apple’s CEO and demand workers receive fair treatment working conditions and wages.

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