Microsoft and Foxconn issue statements

Microsoft and Foxconn have announced that they have resolved the dispute with Foxconn employees, who threatened to suicide en masse. According to the Wall Street Journal, Microsoft was quick to point out that the dispute was over "staffing assignments and transfer policies, not working conditions" at the Xbox production line in Wuhan. Foxconn separately added that about 150 workers had engaged in the dispute after being told that they were being transferred to another business unit in the facility.

"Microsoft takes working conditions in the factories that manufacture its products very seriously," a statement from the company read.

"We monitor working conditions closely on an ongoing basis and address issues as they emerge," the statement said.

After extensive talks, joined by local government and labor officials, 45 workers allegedly resigned voluntarily while the remainders made their way back to normal duties after the incident, which flared up on January 4.

Foxconn has previously had to deal with a spate of suicides that occurred over a five month period in 2010 when 9 employees ended their lives. Foxconn’s highest profile customer Apple bore much of the criticism and moved to ensure that working conditions for employees at Foxconn’s facilities were improved.

Foxconn employs around 800,000 staff, most of whom are based in China.

By Electronista Staff