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Foxconn makes stuff for a lot more companies than just Apple: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxconn#Major_customers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxconn#Major_
by mkr-hn 15y ago
Foxconn makes stuff for a lot more companies than just Apple: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxconn#Major_customers https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxconn#Major_customers
They could ask, and even encourage, but not dictate. And Foxconn is not likely to do something that puts them at a competitive disadvantage.
- jonknee 15y agoThey can certainly dictate. Apple has the money and volume to get anything they would like. If Apple told Foxconn that everyone making Apple products will be paid triple what they are making now and work no more than 8 hours a day, it could happen tomorrow.
- mkr-hn 15y agoWhat happens when Foxconn does that and every other company switches to Foxconn's competitors?
- easp 15y agoJust about every other company is already having trouble competing with Apple on price and quality. So, my guess as to what happens is that Foxconn attracts and retains the best (most productive + highest quality work) employees, leaving them, and their customers, at a disadvantage to compete with Apple + Foxconn, unless they too improve their wages and labor standards.
- jonknee 15y agoApple's cost structure has much more to do with its ability to purchase in advance than the quality of the workers. The workers are exchangeable, but Apple buying up 100% of a components supply for a period of time is not exchangeable. Same for putting down billions for a new factory. They have more cash than the bank and play banker for a lot of people in the supply chain.