Microsoft has been caught in a nasty controversy after revelations that one of its suppliers in China may be using child labor. The kids are allegedly making mice, keyboards and Xbox 360 controllers for $0.65 an hour.
Although Microsoft itself has not officially sanctioned this sweatshop and its 16-hour workdays, the company is still under fire from National Labor Committee. The real villain of the piece is KYE, a company that makes small children briefly sleep at their work stations in dismal conditions, according to the NLC.
Microsoft has tried to show a classy hand, claiming that it is investigating KYE as a result of the recent report. MS’ Brian Tobey states that a team of auditors is en route to China and that his company will take “immediate action” if it finds any untoward shenanigans are afoot.
This is obviously bad news for Microsoft, even though it’s obviously the supplier that deserves the blame. Unfortunately, it’s just not uncommon for major platform holders to outsource to these shoddy tinpot firms that completely lack standards. By now, these big companies really ought to know better and keep a closer eye on the organizations they deal with.
Microsoft Supplier Uses Child Workers And Pays Them $0.65 Per Hour [Business Insider, thanks Filijonken]
Published: Apr 19, 2010 08:00 am