According to a news report, Foxconn, a company that makes Apple devices, has hiring practices that prevent certain workers (especially married women) from getting jobs at its iPhone assembly plant in Tamil Nadu, India. On Wednesday, the Labor Ministry acknowledged media reports claiming that married women are not allowed to work at the Foxconn plant in Tamil Nadu. In response, the Ministry requested a detailed report from the Labor Department of the Tamil Nadu Government.
The Ministry reminded everyone that according to the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976, discrimination should not occur when hiring men and women workers. Since the State Government is responsible for enforcing and administering this Act, the Ministry has asked for the report from the State Government.
The report stated that Foxconn has a practice of excluding married women from its workforce, citing family responsibilities and traditional jewelry as reasons. Various sources within Foxconn and its recruitment agencies confirmed this exclusionary policy. Industry sources suggest that some believe the productivity of women employees decreases after marriage, as they may leave work early or take more leaves for childcare or household tasks. Concerns were also raised about married Hindu women wearing traditional jewelry like toe rings and necklaces, as it could interfere with the manufacturing process due to electrostatic discharge and raise security issues related to theft.
While a few married women have been hired by Foxconn during busy periods, this is not the norm, as highlighted in the report. Some agencies have even helped candidates hide their marital status to increase their chances of getting hired. Apple and Foxconn admitted to flaws in their hiring processes in 2022 and took corrective actions. However, an investigation found that discriminatory practices continued in 2023 and 2024.
Although Indian laws do not explicitly ban discrimination based on marital status, both Apple and Foxconn have codes of conduct that prohibit such practices. Apple emphasized that it maintains the highest supply chain standards and acknowledged that Foxconn does employ some married women in India.