Apple is taking steps to address criticisms of the working conditions of staff assembling its devices.
The vendor on Monday revealed it has called in the Fair Labor Association (FLA) to conduct an independent audit of Apple's assembly suppliers, including Foxconn factories in Shenzhen and Chengdu
FLA, a Washington-based labor rights group which Apple joined in January, plans to interview thousands of employees about working and living conditions. The interviews will cover issues such as health and safety, pay and working hours, Apple said, adding that its suppliers have pledged their full co-operation with the audit.
Apple has faced heat over the conditions of the workers assembling its devices since reports alleging rough treatment and exploitation of employees at Foxconn, a China-based manufacturer that assembles products for a range of technology companies including Apple.