Apple Looks Into iPod China Sweatshop Report (UPDATED)

Since this story was originally reported, it has been updated to correct the value of the wages Chinese workers in iPod factories allegedly received.

Apple Computer, maker of the uber-popular iPod music player, has launched an investigation into charges that a number of its iPod factories in China are sweatshops, where employees work 15-hour daily shifts for as little as $50 a month, BBC News reports.

The investigation was started in response to an article published in the United Kingdom’s Mail on Sunday newspaper, which said some of Apple’s Chinese workers were living in 100-person dormitories where non-employees weren’t allowed, according to BBC News.

In response, Apple issued a statement, which included the following: “Apple is committed to ensuring that working conditions in our supply chain are safe, workers are treated with respect and dignity, and manufacturing processes are environmentally responsible,” according to BBC News.

It also said it’s “currently investigating the allegations regarding working conditions in the iPod manufacturing plant in China,” BBC News reports.

Apple is among many large electronics and computer manufacturers that outsource production work to China because of the country’s low labor rates.

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