NYT Report: Chinese Workers Endure Low Wages To Make iPads, Do Consumers Care?
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The New York Times recently reported that many Apple products, including iPads and iPhones are manufactured overseas where workers must endure low wages and hazardous conditions. But the question is, do consumers care?
"I have a PowerBook, I have about three iPods and an iPhone."
Millions of Americans enjoy Apple technology each day. But when asked, most have no idea where they come from.
"I actually don't know where they're made," said one Apple user. "If Chinese children are making them, it would be a problem for me."
Sunil Wattal teaches outsources at Temple's Fox School of Business. He says American consumers are socially responsible and usually avoid products where workers are exploited during the manufacturing process. But, tech companies like Apple, many times do not directly control manufacturing.
"The product not only has to be good, but they have to feel good about buying the product."
He says companies can influence manufacturing practices through close monitoring and creating guidelines for workers.
