Apple Underage Workers

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Widely known as one of the world's richest companies, Apple has not managed to achieve this success without controversy, and one of the most serious criticisms has focused on Apple's suppliers' use of underage workers. While workers in the Southeast Asian markets where the suppliers originate are often younger than those in American factories, the chief allegation has been that Apple's demands to lower costs prevented suppliers from being able to pay fair wages. According to James Brusseau (n.d.), reporter Connie Guglielmo investigated the relationship between Apple's suppliers and its stock prices. Finding that during a period in which some of its suppliers employed children younger than fifteen, Apple's stock price increased more than one …show more content…

The argument for the use of underage workers is based on a realistic assessment of the economic struggles faced by many in Southeast Asia and its comparatively young workforce. The Economist magazine (2017) points out that Southeast Asia is home to a poor, young workforce that suffers from "low wages and underemployment". For child workers in these countries, the offer of employment with one of Apple's suppliers may be seen as significantly better than alternatives in terms of working conditions and wages. These young workers may have no opportunity to go to school regardless of their work status, and the money they earn may provide some food and comfort for their families which they would otherwise have to go without. Additionally, young workers may feel a sense of pride to provide this support, and the valuable skills they gain may help them to achieve a brighter future. This argument essentially values the economic well-being of the individual above all other …show more content…

In such cases, the child may be little more than a slave, experiencing long working hours, difficult conditions, and even abuse. Their status as children may mean that their rights under the law are limited with no recourse should the employer withold wages or make unreasonable demands. Despite the prestige of Apple's name, it is clear from Guglielmo's report that Apple has a limited system of inspections and little authority to guarantee that child workers are given fair treatment. In such circumstances the child may be separated from their families and any opportunity for education that may exist. The hard work and difficult environment may more seriously affect their health than adult workers, and their natural tendency to be curious about the world will likely be crushed, leading to potential mental health issues that adult workers may be less susceptible to. This argument places the greatest value on the innate value of a

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