By Chris Chang, posted Feb 17, 2012 at 10:36 PM, 910 views,

Foxconn Increases Wages for Entry-level Workers As Much As 25%

Yeah yeah, Foxconn workers are getting a pay increase of up to 1,800 yuan ($286) per month and could be further raised above 2,200 yuan ($350) per month for those who pass a technical examination, Reuters reports. So that’s a pretty nice raise, right?

Foxconn has instituted three pay raises for its Chinese workforce since 2010. The lowest-paid workers made 900 yuan ($143) per month just three years ago, before the tragic suicides happened. A June 2010 raise brought salaries up by 30 percent, and another October 2010 raise brought the wages up by 66 percent. Today, Foxconn has announced new wage increases for entry-level workers at its facilities in China, boosting pay anywhere from 16-25 percent.

“As a top manufacturing company in China, the basic salary of junior workers in all of Foxconn’s China factories is already far higher than the minimum wage set by all local governments,” the company’s statement said, according to Reuters. “We will provide more training opportunities and learning time, and will continuously enhance technology, efficiency and salary, so as to set a good example for the Chinese manufacturing industry.”

The increase, which comes as Foxconn is again under criticism and pressure, especially after the New York Times published a lengthy report last month, about the poor working conditions in the factory. Apple CEO Tim Cook then authorized the Fair Labor Association to begin its tour of two Foxconn facilities in China, and conduct anonymous interviews with workers who work and live at the two plants.

Okay, a pay raise is really helpful for Foxconn workers – most of whom are young people (20-somethings) who did not have grades good enough to help them pursue their dreams. While they are working in Foxconn, they are looking to save up as much money as possible to start a better life outside of the factory, or send money back to loved ones at home. We are glad to see the new wage increases for the workers, but the fact that they still have to work in godawful working conditions make us feel pity for them.

Source: Reuters