Spend a decent amount of time on the Internet’s tech sites and you will likely run across comments about Apple benefiting from what amounts to slave labor at plants in China. The issue of worker conditions in many communist countries is not limited to technology products though as Nike can attest to. Samsung has found itself at the center of new round of allegations concerning conditions and treatment of employees at a plant in Slovakia that manufactures LCD, OLED, and transparent display devices.
According to reports, workers have started to complain about the lack of water being provided, even on days when the temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit). Apparently Slovakia has a law requiring water be provided to employees, which Samsung eventually complied with, but they are now issuing warnings to employees who request a drink. To make matters worse, the sources indicate Samsung is refusing to modify the dress code in light of the high temperatures. On the flip side, the company is also accused of not permitting employees to use the restroom facilities.
There is also an accusation concerning the death of an employee at the factory. Apparently the gentleman submitted his resignation, but was not allowed to leave until he finished his shift. Later in the day he suffered a cardiac arrest, died on location, and was placed in a box until the end of the shift when his body could be removed.
Allegations are also floating around that some of the Korean managers are physically prodding employees when they make mistakes and engage in verbal abuse and threats directed at subordinates. Employees are also forced to choose between vacation and termination from employment.
Thus far Samsung has not issued a statement regarding the allegations. Some of the claims appear to stretch the limits of belief. Nevertheless, at best Samsung likely has a public relations issue to address and at worst they have some serious management issues to address at their plant in Slovakia.
source: AndroidPortal.sk
via: SamMobile
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