Foxconn hires regardless of gender; women form key workforce in Tamil Nadu: Young Liu

TN Industries Minister TRB Rajaa received Foxconn Chairman Young Liu at Chennai airport. The minister personally drove the chairman to the inauguration of the Industrial Housing facility in Vallam Vadagal

Foxconn Chairman Young Liu on August 17 said that married women significantly contribute to the company’s growth.

Speaking at the inauguration of the new housing facility for Foxconn’s employees in Vallam Vadagal, near Sriperumbudur, Liu said, “Foxconn hires regardless of gender, but women make up a big part of our workforce here (Tamil Nadu). I would emphasise that married women greatly contribute to the efforts of what are doing here. The trend for all types of hires at Foxconn is upward.”

Liu’s comments come amid reports of alleged discrimination against married women in recruitment. Foxconn, a major supplier to Apple, is expanding its presence in India as tech companies diversify production away from China.

Also, read: Apple supplier Foxconn says no to married women seeking jobs at Tamil Nadu plant: Report

Liu said, “Living in dormitories is not customary in many of our global locations, but it helps build a support system. We often hire people who are new to small towns or big cities. When they join our manufacturing campuses, they live among thousands of young people they have never met. In Taiwan, we also have dormitories where employees choose to stay. People do it for different reasons. A daily commute might be too far, and affordable, safe living spaces can be hard to find. Living away from home can represent independence and opportunities for personal growth.”

“This housing facility will be home to thousands of women joining Foxconn from various regions in India, at different life stages. Our greatest asset is our people,” he said.

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin inaugurated the Rs 700 crore facility, which spans 20 acres and was built for Rs 706.05 crores by the State Industries Development Corporation of Tamil Nadu in Vallam Vadagal, near Sriperumbudur.

Stalin praised Foxconn as an integral part of Tamil Nadu’s economic growth and expressed hope that the Taiwanese electronics major will continue to invest in the state. “Tamil Nadu is the leading state in India, with 42% of the nation’s total working women. For the first time in India, we have constructed and inaugurated a major infrastructure project that provides safe housing for 18,720 working women—the SIPCOT Industrial Housing Facility in Sriperumbudur. Such investments will help realise our vision of making Tamil Nadu a $1 trillion economy by 2030. We are committed to ensuring that Tamil Nadu meets all of Foxconn's needs for smooth and successful business operations."  Stalin said.

Meanwhile, TN Industries Minister TRB Rajaa received Liu at Chennai airport. The minister drove the chairman to the inauguration of the Industrial Housing facility in Vallam Vadagal.

Also, read: Tamil Nadu to unveil industrial housing facility for workers, similar to China; Foxconn chief to attend inauguration on Aug 17