CUPERTINO, CA—Apple has placed a second major supplier in Asia on probation after finding that the company delayed payments to workers—a breach that spurred vandalism at a factory in India in December.
Apple launched an investigation after local Indian media reported that workers vandalized an iPhone factory near Bangalore run by Taiwanese manufacturer Wistron. Workers there claimed they were not being paid their wages. Apple said in a statement that an independent audit conducted in the wake of the violence found that payment for some workers was delayed in October and November.
“Our main objective is to make sure all the workers are treated with dignity and respect, and fully compensated promptly,” Apple said, adding that it has stopped placing new orders with Wistron as a result of its findings. “We are very disappointed and taking immediate steps to address these issues.”
In November, Apple placed another major supplier, Pegatron, on probation for violating its labor code by having some student workers in China work nights and overtime.
In December, hundreds of workers protested at Pegatron’s assembly plants in Shanghai and Kunshan because they said they were owed bonuses and wages, according to human rights group China Labor Watch.