Suicide epidemic at Foxconn
- Source: Global Times
- [02:09 May 13 2010]
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By Ji Beibei
Six worker suicides in less than five months have put the management of Taiwan-based company Foxconn under a microscope again after another of its employees jumped from a building and died Tuesday in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province,
The six suicides and two-failed suicide attempts so far this year have prompted the company's management to invite monks from Wutai Mountain, one of the most sacred Buddhist shrines, to pray for a positive working environment.
The latest suicide involved a female surnamed Zhu, 24, a Henan native, who reportedly plunged to death from her apartment in the Longhua district Tuesday night.
A police investigation is ongoing, the Xinhua News Agency said.
Foxconn, a unit of Taiwan electronics giant Hon Hai, has been plagued by suicides this year.
On May 6, employee Lu Xin jumped to death from his apartment. His colleagues said Lu was an open-minded worker who enjoyed singing, dancing and traveling.
Another worker surnamed Li also leaped to his death on March 11, after his bonus was reportedly stolen.
Six days later, another female employee jumped out of her dormitory building and injured herself, claiming she was under heavy pressure.
The company's management has been blamed for the wave of the suicide attempts. A report by China Central Television said slogans such as "every second counts" are displayed at the company.
"There are good management rules for superiors, but when it comes to management at the grass-roots level, it is chaotic," said Ma Liqun, the elder sister of Ma Xiangqian, who jumped to death in January, a report by CCTV said Wednesday.
