Married Women Denied Jobs? Centre Seeks Report on Foxconn's Hiring Practices

New Delhi:  The Ministry of Labour and Employment has requested a detailed report from the Tamil Nadu labour department regarding allegations that Foxconn's India iPhone plant near Chennai discriminates against married women.

Citing Section 5 of the Equal Remuneration Act 1976, the ministry emphasized the prohibition of discrimination in recruitment based on gender and noted that the state government is responsible for enforcing these provisions.

The Regional Chief Labour Commissioner has also been instructed to submit a report to the central ministry.

The ministry's action comes a day after a Reuters investigation revealed systematic exclusion of married women from jobs at the plant, allegedly due to concerns over family responsibilities, pregnancy, and absenteeism as cited by Foxconn hiring agents and HR sources.

Apple acknowledged previous lapses in hiring practices in 2022 and stated corrective measures were implemented through monthly audits, although reported discriminatory practices occurred in 2023 and 2024, which Apple did not specifically address.

Foxconn denied the allegations, asserting no discrimination based on marital status, gender, religion, or any other criteria.