"Foxconn offers US$1,400 to new hires to leave Zhengzhou factory after violent protests over benefits and Covid-19 controls" 24 November 2022

The world’s largest iPhone factory, operated by Foxconn Technology Group in the central Chinese city of Zhengzhou, has promised to pay each newly-hired worker 10,000 yuan (US$1,400) to leave the campus immediately in a desperate move to end protests that have turned violent.

The offer to workers was made on Wednesday and published by Chinese online media outlet Cailianshe, after violent clashes between workers and company security staff that began on Tuesday evening over allowances and strict Covid-19 measures.

Foxconn confirmed that protests, some violent, had occurred at the factory in a statement earlier on Wednesday but did not elaborate further.

According to the company notice, recently-hired workers at the iPhone production unit of Foxconn in Zhengzhou will receive 8,000 yuan if they tender their resignation immediately and will receive another 2,000 upon boarding a bus out of the facility.

“Some employees are still concerned about the coronavirus and hope to quit and return home, and the company deeply understands the concerns,” according to the notice. The 10,000 yuan package covers lost salary, quarantine allowances and miscellaneous items, according to the notice. [...]

Foxconn said earlier that “some new hires” at the Zhengzhou campus had complained to the company about work allowances. “The allowance has always been honoured based on contractual obligations and [we] will continue to communicate with relevant colleagues [on the issue],” the company said. [...]