The name Foxconn should be no stranger to anyone remotely familiar with tech news. It's the Chinese manufacturing firm that produces the vast majority of our electronic devices, and the harsh working conditions within is a constant point of contention. Between those love their gadgets and feel that its environment is a necessary evil, versus those who are outraged by the price that must supposedly be paid for such wonders.
For the most part, it's the association with Apple that has gotten most of the headlines; every time a new iPhone is released, there are new reports of workers being pushed further to the brink. But an item recently filed by Joystiq reminds us that Nintendo also has a relationship with Foxconn (which should not be the least bit surprising), and one that they are currently investigating.
Recently, Foxconn admitted that they have employed workers who are between the ages of 14 and 16, which is in direction violation of Chinese labor law. In response, the family friendly Nintendo issued its own statement:
Nintendo is in communication with Foxconn and is investigating the matter. We take our responsibilities as a global company very seriously and are committed to an ethical policy on sourcing, manufacture and labor. In order to ensure the continued fulfillment of our social responsibility throughout our supply chain, we established the Nintendo CSR Procurement Guidelines in July 2008.
We require that all production partners, including Foxconn, comply with these Guidelines, which are based on relevant laws, international standards and guidelines. If we were to find that any of our production partners did not meet our guidelines, we would require them to modify their practices according to Nintendo’s policy.
Many have pushed Apple to help drive drive changes within Foxconn, and there have been some attempts, though the validity and effectiveness is up for debate. Though Apple, despite being one of their most high profile and profitable partners, is still just one company, so perhaps another customer, one whose name is synonymous with children, can help make improvements further?
Yet one must also wonder if Nintendo would ever be willing to severe those ties, and especially now, when the factory is no doubt busy assembling their latest console, the Wii U, at this very moment.
