Two Dead In iPad Factory Explosion

[The Straight Story]

Two Dead In iPad Factory Explosion

A Foxconn contract manufacturing facility in China experienced an explosion, the cause of which is unknown and under investigation.

Two people are dead and 16 are injured following an explosion at a Foxconn manufacturing facility located in Hongguang Town, Pi County, Chengdu, in China's Sichuan province.

"At this point, we can also confirm that there were two fatalities with injuries to 16 other employees," a company spokesperson said. "We are working with medical officials to provide treatment to the injured employees and we are working with government and law enforcement officials to contact the families of all employees affected by this tragedy."

China Central Television (CCTV), a state-controlled television station, reported that the explosion affected Hongfujin Precision Industry Co.'s polishing workshop in Chengdu, where Apple's iPad 2 is assembled. Hongfujin is a subsidiary of Taiwan-based Foxconn Technology Group, which also manufactures products for other technology companies like HP and Nokia.

http://www.informationweek.com/news/hardware/mac/229600578?cid=RSSfeed_IWK_All

[hlthe2b]

1. I don't even own an Ipad, but I feel pangs of guilt every time...

a story on this factory is posted. BECAUSE, I don't doubt that the manufacturing process for nearly all other consumer electronics may be equally dismal in terms of safety and labor protections/practices. So, yes, I'm a big damned hypocrite as well because I do use laptops and cell phones (and yes, I have an ipod)....

But, here's the difference. I would willingly pay MORE--even somewhat substantially more, for products manufactured in safe clean facilities where workers are paid a decent wage and not subject to such horrors. Wouldn't you?

[liberal N proud]

2. Very few Chinese factories have standards part with US

Here are some examples:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4lRV26qJRDg

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XD-yF5LEoCM&feature=related


This one will blow your mind
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7PlahuBYnE&NR=1

[NYC_SKP]

3. I would. I would, indeed. What's more, I'd spend more for ANY product made in the USA...

...and made uncer appropriate environmental and labor conditions.

Our government has sold us out, globalism is a giant "fuck you" to labor, to consumers, and to the people in developing countries.

Only the very wealthy have benefited from this.