EMPLOYMENT LAW: Report says Apple Suppliers Hire Underage Workers

March 1, 2010

Cupertino - Technology giant Apple Inc. said that three of its suppliers have hired 11 underage workers to build computers, cell phones, and music players last year.

Apple said it has conducted an on-site audit of its 102 factories in different countries and found that three facilities have hired workers as young as 15 years old. However, the company did not reveal the suppliers which have violated the employment law.

In its website, the company said the underage workers “were no longer in active employment” after it has conducted the audit.

Apple also said that some suppliers were found to have violated the company policy on proper waste disposal and recruitment practices.

The Cupertino-based company, which is one of the world’s biggest phone manufacturers, has reported a $3.4 billion net income in the fourth quarter of 2009.