Foxconn calls on monks and counsellors to stem suicides

Foxconn, the Taiwanese maker of the Apple iPhone, has hired counsellors and brought in Buddhist monks for its workers after a spate of suicides. This year, seven employees have killed themselves and two have tried.

The deaths, at Foxconn's manufacturing campus in Shenzhen, southern China, have raised concerns about worker treatment. Foxconn is part of Hon Hai Precision, the world's largest maker of consumer electronics. It is also one of the biggest overseas employers in China.



The company was taking the issue very seriously, even though local government investigations had not blamed the deaths on working conditions, company spokesman Edmund Ding said. To prevent further suicides, the Fortune 500 company has hired 100 counsellors and invited monks to help workers at the new Employee Care Centre and trained its medical staff to provide emotional support.

It has also introduced a reward system for employees who spot colleagues with emotional problems. Hotlines have also been set up for workers, many of whom come from the countryside and are away from their families. The company will also provide more recreational activities such as films, talent shows and sport.