Microsoft workers investigate factory

Software giant Microsoft has sent a group of investigators to China to report on findings from the National Labor Committee, indicating factory workers making gadgets for the company are overworked and underpaid.

The report has said that workers for KYE Systems Corp face harsh discipline, are fined for mistakes and regularly work 15-hour shifts. The report also states many are teenagers.

The company, among other purposes, makes controllers for the company’s Xbox 360 console. The company announced that it will send investigators to check out the company, and appropriate action will be taken if necessary.

“We have a team of independent auditors en route to the facility to conduct a complete and thorough investigation,” said Brian Tobey, head of manufacturing for Microsoft’s Entertainment and Devices unit, said in a blog post. “If we find that the factory is not adhering to our standards, we will take appropriate action.”

“Over the past two years, we have required documentation and verification of worker age, and no incidence of child labour has been detected,” he wrote. “Worker overtime has been significantly reduced, and worker compensation is in line with the Electronic Industry Citizenship Coalition standards for the Dongguan area.”