Apple asks charity group to inspect factories' 'sweat shop' conditions

London, Feb 14 (ANI): In response to growing criticism over conditions at Apple's overseas factories, the tech giant has announced that it has asked a charity to conduct "special voluntary audits" of several facilities that manufacture iPhones, iPads and other products.

Apple, which faced criticism over working conditions at some of its suppliers' plants in China, said it had asked the Fair Labor Association (FLA) to conduct campaigns to end "sweat shop" conditions in its factories, including the one that is owned by Foxconn, the world's largest electronics manufacturer, in Shenzen and Chengdu.

According to The Telegraph, a team of inspectors from the not-for-profit organisation, based in Washington DC, has already started inspections at the Foxconn City plant in Shenzen.

"We believe that workers everywhere have the right to a safe and fair work environment, which is why we've asked the FLA to independently assess the performance of our largest suppliers," the paper quoted Apple chief executive, Tim Cook, as saying.

"The inspections now under way are unprecedented in the electronics industry, both in scale and scope, and we appreciate the FLA agreeing to take the unusual step of identifying the factories in their reports," he added.

The technology giant said that its suppliers, including Foxconn, have agreed to give "unrestricted" access to their plants.

According to the paper, inspectors will interview thousands of workers about their living and working conditions, including pay, health and safety and hours.

Results from the investigation will be posted on the FLA's website in March this year. (ANI)