Microsoft investigates Chinese supplier
Following a National Labour Committee report, which said conditions at a Chinese factory were "adversely impacting workers", Microsoft has sent in a team of independent auditors.
The National Labour Committee has alleged that conditions at a factory operated by KYE in Dongguan, China, were adversely impacting workers. KYE assembles and packages hardware products for Microsoft as well as other companies.
Brian Tobey, Corporate Vice President, Manufacturing and Operations, Entertainment and Devices,said that as a result of the report Microsoft has sent a team of independent auditors to the facility to conduct a complete and thorough investigation. “If we find that the factory is not adhering to our standards, we will take appropriate action,” he said in a blog update.
“We should note that as part of Microsoft’s ongoing supplier SEA program, an independent auditor has been inspecting the KYE factory annually,” Tobey continued. “In addition, Microsoft personnel conduct quarterly on-site assessments, and receive weekly reports from KYE on key labour and safety criteria that we monitor as part of our supplier SEA program.
“Over the past two years, we have required documentation and verification of worker age, and no incidence of child labour has been detected. Worker overtime has been significantly reduced, and worker compensation is in line with the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition standards for the Dongguan area.”
