Microsoft investigates sweatshop claims

Following a damning report on workers conditions, Microsoft has sent an independent team to investigate claims of child labour and oppressive practices at an affiliated factory in China.

According to the report, employees at the KYE factory in Dongguan – which manufactures Microsoft Mice and Keyboards – work from 7:45am until 10:55pm, often in temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius, and face prison-style rules, with one worker being fined for losing a finger inside manufacturing equipment.

The report claims the majority of those employed are women – apparently because they are more docile – and they routinely face sexual harassment from security staff. Up to 1,000 of them are aged just 16 and 17, while dozens are reported to be just 14 or 15 years old, allegedly.

“As a result of this report, we have a team of independent auditors en route to the facility to conduct a complete and thorough investigation. If we find that the factory is not adhering to our standards, we will take appropriate action,” read a statement in Microsoft’s Blog.

“We will take all appropriate steps to ensure the fair treatment of the KYE workers.”