Xbox Addict

Microsoft Investigating Sweatshop Allegations

Following a recent report by the Pittsburgh-based National Labor Committee, Microsoft is investigating allegations of improper working conditions in a Chinese manufacturing plant (via Eurogamer).
The report alleges that workers at the KYE factory in Dongguan put in 15 hour shifts for approximately 52 cents an hour, and inhabit primitive dorm rooms. Among the products manufactured at the facility are Xbox 360 controllers.

Vice President of Manufacturing and Operations Brian Tobey responded on the company’s official blog, saying that Microsoft adheres to all relevant labor and safety requirements, "We were therefore very concerned when we saw a report by the National Labor Committee (NLC) alleging that conditions at a factory operated by KYE in Dongguan, China, were adversely impacting workers."

He continued, "KYE assembles and packages hardware products for Microsoft and a wide range of other companies."

Tobey added that an independent team of auditors have been dispatched to the site, but also said that other inspections have yielded no reported incidents of child labor or other violations.

"We will have monitors on site pending the results of the inspection," Tobey said. "We will take all appropriate steps to ensure the fair treatment of the KYE workers."