The government has asked Tamil Nadu to submit a detailed report addressing allegations that Foxconn rejected married women for jobs at its iPhone assembly facility in Chennai, according to a Reuters report.
The Ministry of Labour, in a statement, noted media reports suggesting that married women were not allowed to work at Foxconn’s India Apple iPhone plant. The Ministry cited Section 5 of the Equal Remuneration Act of 1976, which stipulates that no discrimination should occur while recruiting men and women workers. As the state government is responsible for enforcing this Act, the Ministry has requested a report from Tamil Nadu.
Additionally, the office of the Regional Chief Labour Commissioner has been asked to provide a factual report. The report mentioned that neither Apple nor Foxconn responded to queries, and the Tamil Nadu government office did not respond outside of working hours.
Investigation Details
A Reuters investigation alleged that Foxconn systematically excluded married women from jobs at its main India iPhone assembly plant. The investigation claimed that despite acknowledging hiring practice lapses in 2022, discriminatory practices continued at the Sriperumbudur plant near Chennai in 2023 and 2024.
Former Employee Testimonies
S Paul, a former HR executive at Foxconn India, stated that the company typically avoids hiring married women due to cultural issues and societal pressures, suggesting that married women have more family responsibilities. This claim was supported by 17 other employees from Foxconn hiring agencies and four current and former Foxconn HR executives.
Companies’ Responses
Apple denied the discrimination allegations, stating that Foxconn employs some married women in India and conducts monthly audits to ensure compliance with high standards. Foxconn also refuted the allegations, claiming that in its latest hiring round, almost 25% of the women hired were married, though they did not specify the number or locations of these employees.
