I will give you 1.9 million won to leave... Foxconn China offers incentives amid large-scale protests

Unpaid Wages and COVID-19 Lockdown Measures Spark Large-Scale Protests
Foxconn Implements Temporary Measures Amid iPhone Production Concerns

Workers at the Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China, are leaving the factory carrying their belongings. Photo by Yonhap News

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gyehwa, Intern] The Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou, China, where large-scale protests took place, announced that it would pay 10,000 yuan (approximately 1.88 million KRW) to newly hired workers if they leave the factory immediately, according to the Hong Kong South China Morning Post (SCMP) on the 24th.

Most of those participating in the protests are newly hired workers. The Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou is the largest production base for Apple iPhones in China. Over 80% of the iPhone 14 series and more than 85% of the iPhone 14 Pro series are assembled here. According to Bloomberg and others on the 23rd (local time), the Foxconn factory protest began around 11:30 PM on the 22nd and continued until the next day. The newly employed workers protested against unfair treatment, such as the company not paying the initially promised bonuses and forcing them to share dormitories with employees infected with COVID-19. Numerous videos showing confrontations and scuffles between workers, security personnel, and police officers in protective suits were posted on social media platforms like Twitter and Douyin.

The Foxconn Zhengzhou factory has been operating under a so-called 'closed-loop' system, cutting off contact with the outside since mid-last month due to the resurgence of COVID-19. At the end of last month, a mass escape occurred as employees expressed anxiety and fear over the measure requiring even infected staff to stay in isolation facilities within the factory. Authorities fully locked down the Foxconn factory on the 2nd of this month to prevent worker departures.

Meanwhile, Foxconn posted job openings with high wages and promised special bonuses for returning existing employees to resume production. Although a significant number of employees returned to the factory, the company did not pay the promised wages. Bloomberg explained that workers exploded in anger as they were not properly supplied with food and medical services.

Following the employee desertion and large-scale protests, disruptions to iPhone production are expected. Although Foxconn has offered incentives, it remains uncertain whether the new workers will accept them, SCMP reported.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.