Indian Government Probes Foxconn Over Alleged Discrimination Against Married Women

India's Ministry of Labor and Employment has launched an investigation into Foxconn Technology Group, one of Apple's main suppliers, following allegations that the company systematically excludes married women from employment at its primary iPhone assembly plant in Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.

The ministry has requested a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu Labor Department to address these claims. "Section 5 of the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 clearly stipulates that no discrimination will be made while recruiting men and women workers," the ministry emphasized on Wednesday. "As the State Government is the appropriate authority for the enforcement and administration of the provisions of this Act, hence the report has been sought from the State Government."

The investigation was prompted by a Reuters report published a day earlier, which alleged that Foxconn deliberately avoided hiring married women due to concerns over family duties, pregnancy, and absenteeism. The report also cited safety concerns related to customary ornaments worn by married women, such as toe rings and necklaces, which are typically not removed and could pose hazards in the manufacturing environment.

Foxconn outsources its hiring process to third-party vendors, who were allegedly instructed by company executives to skip over married women in their recruitment efforts. These vendors reportedly communicated the unwed requirement through job advertisements, pamphlets, and WhatsApp messages.

However, the ban on hiring married women is not absolute. During periods of high production, the policy is reportedly relaxed to manage labor shortages. Agencies have also indicated a willingness to help women conceal their marital status, particularly if their state ID cards do not reflect their married status.

Foxconn and Apple both denied the existence of such a discriminatory policy. In 2022, Foxconn stated it took corrective action against four agencies that were posting ads "that did not meet [company] standards."

The allegations have raised significant concerns over gender discrimination in the workplace and the enforcement of equal opportunity laws in India. As the investigation unfolds, it will be crucial to monitor how both Foxconn and the state authorities address these serious claims and ensure compliance with national labor laws, the report said.

This probe is part of a broader effort by the Indian government to uphold labor rights and gender equality, especially in industries with significant foreign investment and international scrutiny. The outcome of this investigation could have far-reaching implications for employment practices and corporate accountability in India’s rapidly growing tech manufacturing sector.