Foxconn worker jumps to death from apartment in Chengdu
Worker was reportedly 23 years old and had been employed by Foxconn for just one month before his death.
A 23-year-old man jumped to his death from his apartment building in Chengdu, China Foxconn announced today.
According to the manufacturer, the man had been working at Foxconn for one month before his death. The apartment complex is outside of Foxconn's Chengdu plant. Reuters was first to report on the news.
Suicides have become an all-too-common occurrence among Foxconn workers over the last few years. According to reports, at least 16 people who work at Foxconn's factory in Shenzhen, China, have taken their lives since the beginning of 2010.
Earlier this year, 300 workers at a Foxconn factory that makes Xbox consoles threatened the supplier with a mass suicide over a pay dispute. The workers, Foxconn, and Microsoft came to a solution to the problem before they took any drastic steps.
Foxconn's Chengdu facility has been a recent source of controversy. Last week, several workers out of China claimed that over 1,000 Foxconn workers rioted outside of their off-site dormitory. The rioters reportedly damaged property, and dozens were arrested in the incident. In a statement, Foxconn said it was "cooperating with local law enforcement authorities on their investigation into this incident."
Foxconn's troubles with workers prompted Apple earlier this year to bring in the Fair Labor Association to audit the manufacturer's facilities. The FLA found a host of issues with working conditions, including excess overtime and low wages. Foxconn agreed with the FLA to reduce hours and increase pay for its employees.
Police are investigating the 23-year-old man's death. It's currently unknown why he took his life.
CNET has contacted Foxconn for comment on the report. We will update this story when we have more information.