Foxconn says wage raise not connected to suicides

A spokesperson for Hon Hai Precision Industry, otherwise known by the Foxconn trade name, says the company is considering increasing wages for its laborers. This is not due to the recent employee suicides, however, the spokesperson said in a Thursday report. At its Shenzhen plant, Foxconn employs more than 400,000 staffers and the raise consideration is related to a short supply of workers in the area, according to the contract device maker.

The spokesperson also denied reports of Hon Hai Chairman and Foxconn owner Terry Gou promising to increase minimum wage levels by 20 percent. Workers' current monthly salaries are the equivalent of $132, or the minimum legal wage.

Since January, 10 Hon Hai workers at the Shenzhen plant have committed suicide by jumping from buildings, with four having possibly attempted suicide today.

Foxconn builds electronics for virtually every major manufacturer, including Apple, Dell, HP, Nintendo and Sony, among others.

By Electronista Staff