We all dreamed of that one scenario when robots could replace humans in monotonous tasks, haven’t we? Well it seems that Foxconn Technology Group is all set to do that! According to a report on Nikkei Asian Review, the company will be able to replace 30 per cent of its workforce with robots in five years time. Chairman Terry Gou made the announcement with reference to workers on the production line.
“I am not replacing jobs with robots,” Gou clarified during the annual shareholders’ meeting on June 25. “I am having workers do work that require thinking.” The 30 per cent workforce would then be shifted to sales and software design position, the report added.
The article maintained that his response was also a reply to a string of criticism that the company faced regarding working conditions of workers. They alleged that one million workers at the company facilities in China work in harsh conditions, and that some even contracted leukaemia because of exposure to toxic chemicals. The chairman then clarified that three workers had leukaemia and that the company had spent a million Yuan for their treatment.
A British fund manager reportedly brought up the topic of labour conditions, and Gou wasn’t very happy with it. “Britain should send its best investigators here to audit Foxconn and see how we compare to British factories,” Gou said. “If you feel we are not good enough, then do not buy our shares... I am confident I am no worse than British facilities.”
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