FoxConn On 'Marital Status' After Controversy

Foxconn, Apple’s supplier has instructed its Indian hiring agencies to remove age, gender and marital restrictions from job ads after a Reuters investigation revealed discriminatory practices. Previously job ads for Foxconn’s iPhone assembly plant near Chennai favored unmarried women of certain ages, violating anti-discrimination policies of both Apple and Foxconn. The company employs thousands of women and outsources recruitment to third-party vendors.

Following the investigation, Foxconn standardized job ad templates, omitting references to age, gender, or marital status. Ads no longer mention Foxconn’s name, warning vendors of contract termination for non-compliance. Recent ads list benefits like air-conditioned workplaces, free transport and a salary of 14,974 rupees but avoid specific criteria.

Reuters could not confirm if Foxconn now hires more married women. However recent ad changes match these directives. Many recruitment agencies declined to comment citing company restrictions.