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From Australia news
A SPATE of suicides at its factories has reportedly prompted Apple manufacturer Foxconn to ask workers to promise not to kill themselves.

Workers have reportedly been told to sign letters promising not to kill themselves and even agreeing to be sent to psychiatric institutions if they appear to be in an "abnormal mental or physical state for the protection of myself and others''.

Nets were also reportedly being hung around buildings to deter suicidal employees.

The measures came after a 19-year-old employee fell to his death at the Shenzhen factory yesterday - the ninth apparent suicide at the enormous site this year.

The deaths have raised questions about conditions for millions of factory workers in China, especially at Foxconn, where labour activists and employees say long hours, low pay and high pressure are the norm.

The company is the world's largest maker of computer components. It makes iPhones for Apple and also boasts Dell and Hewlett-Packard among its clients.

Terry Gou, chairman of Foxconn's Taiwanese parent company Hon Hai Precision, flew into the booming city of Shenzhen aboard his private jet today with reporters, whom he urged to see the factory for themselves.

Labour activists in nearby Hong Kong called on Tuesday for a boycott of the next generation of Apple's iPhone, which is assembled by Foxconn, days ahead of the international launch of the iPad.

The Taiwanese technology giant, which also boasts Dell and Hewlett-Packard among its clients, has defended its practices and Mr Gou on Monday said he was not running "blood and sweat factories''.

"You know, Hon Hai has more than 800,000 workers worldwide, and it's not easy to manage such a large team,'' he said.


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