New Delhi: The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched an investigation into allegations that Foxconn, a major manufacturer of Apple devices, systematically excludes married women from jobs at its flagship iPhone assembly plant in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu. The issue has raised concerns about gender equality and discrimination in the workplace.
Background: Discrimination Against Married Women
According to a Reuters investigation, Foxconn has been excluding female candidates from assembly jobs at its Indian smartphone plant because they are married. The company’s executives verbally convey these recruitment rules to Indian hiring agencies, which are responsible for scouting candidates, conducting interviews, and employing workers. The ban on hiring married women is based on several factors, including cultural norms, societal pressures, and concerns about family responsibilities. Foxconn believes that issues related to marriage, such as pregnancy and higher absenteeism, could impact productivity.
Legal Context: Gender Equality and International Treaties
The NHRC’s notice highlights the need for gender equality, not only in the Indian Constitution but also in international treaties and contracts. Both the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights prohibit discrimination based on gender in any form of employment. The Commission’s intervention underscores the seriousness of the issue and its commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all.
Foxconn’s Response and Security Protocol
Foxconn denies the allegations, asserting that its security protocol is not discriminatory. The company has informed the government that 25% of its new employees are married women. According to Foxconn’s security guidelines, all employees, regardless of gender or religion, must avoid wearing metal. The company contends that these conditions are not part of its official policy and suggests that claims to the contrary may come from individuals who were not hired.
NHRC’s Call for Action
The NHRC’s statement emphasizes that if the media reports are accurate, they represent a serious violation of married women’s right to equality and equal opportunity. The Commission has issued a notice to the Union Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Chief Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Government, seeking a detailed report within a week. The outcome of this investigation will determine whether corrective measures are necessary to address discrimination in the workplace.
