Andre Yoskowitz
1 Jun 2010 21:38
Last week we reported that Hon Hai Precision Industry of Taiwan, the owners of manufacturer Foxconn, said they were planning to raise worker's salaries by 20 percent amidst a flood of worker suicides at their Chinese factory.
Today, the company has announced it will instead be raising salaries by at least 30 percent.
Workers making a minimum of 900 yuan per month ($132 USD) will get a raise to 1200 yuan ($176 USD), effective immediately.
Says spokesman Edmund Ding: "It's been a while since we increased wages, hence the decision. Raising pay and the suicide issues are two separate matters."
Ten employees of the manufacturer have died via suicide this year, with the latest happening this week, and public anger at the company is rising. Last Thursday, an 11th employee tried to kill himself, slitting his wrists. He was revived by a medical team. The company was allegedly giving 100,000 yuan to compensate families of suicide victims.