Foxconn plant: Labour ministry seeks report from Tamil Nadu government on discrimination reports

The Union Ministry of Labour and Employment on Wednesday has sought a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu labour department regarding media reports that married women are not being allowed to work at the Foxconn India Apple iPhone plant.

As per Section 5 of the Equal Remuneration Act 1976, discrimination based on gender in hiring practices is strictly prohibited, the labour ministry stated in a statement.

In view of the fact that the state government is responsible for enforcing and administering the provisions of this Act, the report has been solicited from the Tamil Nadu labour department, the Union Labour Ministry further added.

Notably, two sisters, in their 20s were reportedly denied jobs by tech giant Apple’s supplier Foxconn at a plant in Tamil Nadu. The law clearly states that no discrimination should be made by employers while recruiting men and women workers.  The duo was turned away at the main gate by a security guard, reportedly stopping them and asking whether they were married. 

Advocate D Nagasaila, who specialises in labour law told Republic that the statements of the most manufacturing companies often put forth promising that these conglomerates do not discriminate on the basis of caste , gender, marital status are larger than life claims. 

“In reality, most companies, especially the manufacturing sector in the country, discourage married women from shop floor roles,” said Advocate Nagasaila.

As per Advocate Nagasaila, there are ample job opportunities in the government sector guaranteed by the law of the land but the private sector must ensure equal opportunities for women, especially the manufacturing sector in the shopfloor. 

As per Advocate Nagasaila, Section 5 of the Equal Remuneration  Act CT, 1976 states that no discrimination should be made while recruiting men and women workers.  However, the lawyer said apart from law it is the duty of the private sector to ensure inclusivity.