Firms Repay $3.3 Million in Recruitment Fees

Apple Inc. ordered several international suppliers to reimburse $3.3 million in excess recruitment fees to foreign contract workers in 2011, the Cupertino, California-based computer maker announced in its Apple Supplier Responsibility 2012 Progress Report. The report tracks activities at locations where Apple’s products are manufactured.

The company limits recruitment fees to the equivalent of one month’s net wages, and suppliers are required to reimburse overpaid fees. The report said the company found 15 facilities where workers were overcharged.

Apple suppliers have reimbursed workers a total of $6.7 million in excess recruitment fees since 2008.

In addition, Apple found two facilities using involuntary labor. One of the suppliers was terminated. Apple is working with the other supplier to correct the situation.

Apple also announced that it joined the Fair Labor Association, and it will open its supply chain to the association’s independent auditing teams.

For the full 2012 Progress Report, click here.

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