Critics say Foxconn not off hook after radio retraction

Foxconn Technology Group, the top maker of Apple Inc's iPhones and iPads, is not off the hook after a U.S. radio show retracted a program critical of working conditions at one of its Chinese factories. The Hong-Kong based China Labor Bulletin said Foxconn still employed harsh working conditions, while a fund manager with shares in Foxconn's parent said investors were watching how the company treats workers."The retraction has somewhat cleared Foxconn's name, but not all the way. The press and stock investors will continue to watch how Foxconn treats its workers going forward," said Simon Liu, fund manager and deputy investment officer at Polaris Financial Group's fund unit in Taipei. The unit owns share's in Foxconn's parent company, Hon Hai Precision."Obviously, Apple is starting to take serious step asking Foxconn to properly treats its China workers," Liu said.The radio programme "This American Life" last week retracted the episode, saying it had contained "numerous fabrications".Foxconn said on Monday it had no plans to take legal action although the programme had hurt its reputation."Our corporate image has been totally ruined. The point is whatever media that cited the programme should not have reported it without confirming (with us)," said Simon Hsing, Foxconn's spokesman.

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