Foxconn, a key manufacturer of Apple devices, has reportedly excluded married women from assembly jobs at its flagship smartphone plant in India. It contradicts the company’s codes of conduct and corporate standards by discriminating based on marital status.
A Reuters investigation published on Tuesday detailed how Foxconn refuses job applications from married women, citing “greater family responsibilities” as the reason. The report uncovered systematic exclusion of married women at the main iPhone assembly facility in Sriperumbudur, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.
The company rationalized its policy by suggesting married women encounter “more issues post-marriage.” This assertion was backed by testimonies from numerous former and current employees from over a dozen Foxconn hiring agencies in India. These sources, who requested anonymity, spoke to the news agency about the hiring practices.
Reasons for not employing married women included family obligations, potential pregnancies, and higher absenteeism rates. Additionally, concerns were raised about the jewellery worn by married Hindu women, which could pose risks to production processes.
Despite the discriminatory policy, exceptions occur. Three former Foxconn HR executives revealed to Reuters that during high production and labour shortages, the company sometimes relaxes its stance against hiring married women.
The investigation also found that, in some instances, hiring agencies have helped female candidates hide their marital status to secure employment at the plant.
