Apple initiates probe into the Wistron staff violence case

Apple Inc. has launched an investigation into Saturday’s violence at Wistron’s factory in Karnataka, which makes iPhones and other electronic products.

“Apple is dedicated to ensuring everyone in our supply chain is treated with dignity and respect. We have teams on the ground and immediately launched a detailed investigation at Wistron’s Narasapura facility in India,” Apple said in a statement on Monday.

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In a statement, the company said it is dispatching additional team members and auditors to the facility. “Our teams are in close touch with the local authorities and we’re offering our full support to their investigation,” it added.

The investigation comes two days after worker unrest over a wage dispute turned violent at the plant in Kolar district, about 52 km from Bengaluru. In a complaint to the police, Wistron said it incurred losses of ₹437.7 crore due to the vandalism and theft. This included ₹412 crore of mobile phones, laptops and other production machinery, besides damage of around ₹10 crore to infrastructure and services, according to the complaint filed by Wistron.

Apple is Wistron’s biggest customer, but the manufacturing facility also produces products for other companies. Wistron has two manufacturing plants in Karnataka and produces the iPhone SE and the iPhone 7.

The complaint by Wistron states that a total of 7,000 people were possibly involved in the incident, including 5,000 contract workers.