Apple is admired by consumers worldwide for its consumer-friendly products, its innovative ideas, its stylish approach, and its management. It is regularly listed as one of the strongest brands in international marketing. At the same time, Apple has been criticized for its treatment of workers in its Chinese production facilities, most of which are owned by suppliers outside of the company.

The New York Times reported that the workers assembling iPhones, iPads and other devices often labor in harsh conditions, according to employees inside those plants, worker advocates and documents published by companies themselves. Problems are as varied as onerous work environments and serious-sometimes deadly-safety problems. Employees work excessive overtime, in some cases seven days a week, and live in crowded dorms. Some say they stand so long that their legs swell until they can hardly walk.

One of Apple's most important suppliers is Foxconn. From 2009 to 2011, 19 Foxconn employees attempted suicide or fell from buildings in possible suicides. Foxconn has been singled out for criticism of its working conditions and crowded dormitories. In 2011, riots broke out in the company's Chengdu dormitories over workers issues. The New York Times reported about Foxconn's official response, which said, "Conditions at Foxconn are anything but harsh. . . . All assembly line employees are given regular breaks, including one-hour lunch breaks . . . Foxconn has a very good safety record. . . . Foxconn has come a long way in our efforts to lead our industry in China in areas such as workplace conditions and the care and treatment of our employees."

Questions

1. Should Apple continue to work with suppliers like Foxconn? 

2. What can Apple do more than it is currently doing to improve worker conditions? 

3. Would continued problems prevent you from buying an Apple product?