Riots break out at world’s largest iPhone factory
Riots broke out at the world’s largest iPhone factory in central China on Wednesday, local time, as newly recruited workers clashed with police and security guards.
Videos circulating online showed crowds of staff chanting ‘‘fight, fight, fight’’ and ‘‘defend our rights’’ while pushing past barricades and guards in full-body protective suits.
The massive Foxconn factory in Zhengzhou employs 200,000 people to make Apple smartphones, including the latest iPhone 14 Pro. Last month, thousands of workers deserted the plant after a coronavirus outbreak left them fearing they would be trapped at the facility under China’s strict zero-Covid quarantine policies.
In the latest protests, new workers were said to have rebelled over their contracts and continuing concerns over infection control measures at the factory. Footage of the riots showed protesters engaged in violent scuffles and rocking a police car.
One man was filmed lying on the ground being beaten by security officers, while another had blood streaming from his head. Workers were seen smashing surveillance cameras and windows with sticks. Police were filmed firing tear gas and water cannons and workers were heard saying they had been trapped in the factory. The protests appeared to have lasted throughout the night and into yesterday morning.
The plant is a critical part of Apple’s supply chain, making half of the world’s iPhones and up to 85% of iPhone 14 Pros.