The very definition of an unsafe work environment…

The company that blacklisted Phone Story has conceded that many of its suppliers are still not meeting their obligations to their employees. As reported by The Age, the tech giant has confirmed that one third of its partners are failing to provide a safe workplace, while almost two thirds are demanding excessive hours from their workers.

While in some respects a damning expose of its own negligence, Apple’s latest Supplier Responsibility Progress Report is also intended to publically reposition the company on the issue of worker’s rights. Apple’s claims to be reducing underage labour and forcing some of its partners to repay excessive ‘recruitment fees’ to employees.

It has also asked the independent Fair Labour Association (FLA) to monitor the progress of its reforms. Apple is the first technology company to join the FLA. It will be interesting to see if the likes of Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo are inclined to follow suit.

Last year, Apple was lambasted for blacklisting Phone Story, an iPhone game critical of its labour practices.