Apple confronts PR problem, scrutinizes Foxconn

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) – Apple Inc said on Monday that a U.S. non-profit labor group has begun an “unprecedented” inspection of working conditions at its main contract manufacturers, including Foxconn’s plants in southern China, as the maker of the IPhone continues to grapple with persistent image problems there.

“The inspections now underway are unprecedented in the electronics industry, both in scale and scope,” Apple Chief Executive Tim Cook said in a statement.

The world’s most valuable technology corporation had agreed to let the D.C.-based Fair Labor Association monitor conditions at the factories of its suppliers, hoping to counter criticism that it was glossing over problems at these facilities.

The group began on Monday to interview thousands of employees, inspect manufacturing areas, dormitories and do an extensive review of documents relating to employment, Apple said.

Critics say the biggest blemish on Apple in recent years has been signs of harsh working conditions at its manufacturing partners, particularly in China.