Latest News
Dell Stakeholder Forum on conflict minerals - 28 October in Paris
14 October 2010
Coming 28 October, Dell is organising a Stakeholder Forum on Conflict Minerals for which key stakeholders from multiple industries are invited. The discussion will focus on issues and opportunities related to responsible sourcing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Dell is soliciting feedback and insight on areas in which Dell and the EICC have been taking action. makeITfair will make use of the opportunity to bring the newest report 'Local voices must be heard' to the attention.
Taiwanese electronics trade union continues to face challenges
14 October 2010
Young Fast Optoelectronics (YFO), a Taiwanese touch-screen manufacturer producing for among others Samsung, LG and HTC, is under heavy criticism from the YFO Trade Union (YFOTU). In April 2010, the trade union reported about sweatshop-like working conditions at YFO plants in Taiwan. Recent information by YFOTU points at a number of outstanding labour issues, and the disturbed relation between management and the union. According to the trade union management undertook no substantial steps towards improving the working conditions. At the same time, the union reports about ongoing attempts by the management to bust the young union. Business-wise YFO is doing well; reportedly, HTC is increasing its orders, Nokia will start sourcing from YFO in the fourth quarter of 2010; Acer and Asus will have tablet PCs produced from 2011.
Local voices must be heard
13 October 2010
In the Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) violent conflict continues to cause immense suffering for local people. At the same time tin, coltan, wolframite and gold, helping to fuel the conflict, find their way into our mobile phones and computers. Electronics companies and other actors are active to curb the link between the conflict and the mineral trade. The today published makeITfair report shows that these efforts are very necessary, however it also highlights that local organisations feel they are not involved properly and they do not want the situation to lead to a boycott.
Workers in Foxconn India struggle for better wages and union rights
12 October 2010
Foxconn India management's defiance to recognise the demands of the Foxconn India Thozhilalar Sangam (FITS) union affiliated to the Centre of India Trade Unions (CITU), on wages and reinstatement of 23 workers, caused workers to commence an industrial struggle on September 22, 2010.
Samsung cancer victims advocate wins American Public Health Association award 2010
12 October 2010
The American Public Health Association’s (APHA) Occupational Health & Safety Section has announced the winners of its 2010 Occupational Health & Safety Awards. For their outstanding work to improve workers’ health and safety rights and working conditions both in the U.S. and internationally, the 2010 awards recognize five individuals. among whom Dr. Jeong-ok Kong. Dr Kong is an occupational health physician who has advocated for semiconductor industry cancer victims through the organization known as SHARPS (Supporters of Health And Rights of People in Semiconductor Industry).
