Tell Foxconn to Improve Working Conditions

Throughout my life, I have always loved technology. It always makes me wonder what else we can be capable of. When the first iPhone came out in 2007, I instantly fell in love with it at first sight. Being only six years old, I knew that it will be quite a while before I would be able to get something like this, but the thought of that simply made me look forward to what the future holds. Now here I am, almost eight years later, and this technology has become a part of our daily lives. I use my iPhone 5s for many different things, I go to a private school which integrates this technology into our curriculum, and I have to say, this technology has changed the world so much in a short period of time. Some people put these technologies to very good use, and some take it for granted, but whether they are used for good, evil, or simply just to kill time, these complex machines have made all of our lives simpler. But what if I told you that there is a darker side behind the light of your screen?

I wrote this petition using a laptop computer, and I am using both hands. You are likely using your hands to read this petition on your computer. Think about how much you use your hands in your daily life, from doing work to checking your email. Now, think about the man or woman who risked losing their hands to get this device to you. How do you feel about that? Think about the satisfaction of earning your first paycheck. How much did you earn? Maybe somewhere between $800 and $1200 in your first month, spending about forty hours a week. Not enough to live off of, but as a teenager, you are satisfied, because you know that you earned that, and you can start saving money on your own. Now, think of the person who is around the same age as you were when you had your first job, working twice or even three times longer than you worked weekly, and getting paid at most around $300 per month. Sometimes, the workers in these factories work so hard, they attempt to commit suicide by jumping out of the high windows. There has been at least 17 reported suicides at these factories. In response to this, the employers put nets outside the window, and forced all employees to sign a contract stating that in the event where an employee commits suicide, the company will be exempt from any lawsuits brought by family members. Similar conditions have existed in America over one hundred years ago, and this was a very different America. Labor Unions had little to no power, women didn’t have the right to vote, and African Americans were separated from the rest of society. We are all partially responsible for this just by simply owning an electronic device, because by buying the latest technology, the corporations still make their money, and see no need to change.It makes me feel sick to my stomach knowing that these conditions still exist, and it makes me feel even sicker knowing that I am partially responsible for this just by simply living my life.

This has to stop. We need to get Apple, Foxconn, and any other major electronics corporation to increase wages, improve working conditions, and provide proper compensation for injured workers, but we can’t do it without help. I am just an upper middle class fourteen year old, so I am merely a worm compared to Apple. You can do two things to help me: Sign this petition and spread the word. With enough support, we can help show companies like Apple inc. or Foxconn that fair labor should be seen as more than just another business expense. Our world is changing faster and faster with no end in sight, but we shouldn’t just advance with technology. Join me, and help be a part of the solution rather than contributing to the problem.