Foxconn Workers Get Raises as Apple Pressures for Change

Foxconns's workers will receive raises of anywhere between 16 and 25 percent a month. Junior level workers in the factory will now make about $285 a month and have the potential to earn more if they pass an upcoming technical examination.

"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 government", the according to a company statement on the matter. "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 decision comes at a time when Foxconn has been under increasing pressure from the media and even Apple, its primary business partner.

Apple CEO Tim Cook has publicly promised changes to the Foxconn factory, after a New York Times report quoted several of the company's former executives who stated the iPhone maker knew about the poor working conditions for years and did nothing.

Foxconn operates independently from Apple, but poor working conditions in the factory are a direct black eye for the company, due to how closely the two work together. Apple has achieved unprecedented levels of success due to the output of the factory, and with public declarations that the issue on its agenda, the pace of reform could accelerate.

The company has now called for a series of independent investigations by the Fair Labor Association. Foxconn's announcement about raising wages is likely an attempt to get out ahead of the issue, since it's highly unlikely the supplier would want to risk losing Apple's business.

Foxconn has endured controversy dating back to 2010, when the suicides of several workers was linked to poor working conditions and harsh treatment by management. The factory has continued to make headlines for the wrong reasons over the past two years, and the controversy now has hit a boiling point.

The spotlight is now shining on Foxconn brighter than ever, and if Apple continues to fight for changes, things at Foxconn could look a lot different in the future for its workers.