Apple and supply partner Foxconn were among the companies to successfully lobby for labor law changes in the southern Indian state of Karnataka, where Foxconn is planning a new iPhone factory.
The amendment now allows for 12-hour shifts and night-time work for women.
- The two-shift production is similar to what the companies currently employ in China.
- The
amendment allows for one of India's "most flexible working regimes,"
according to the Financial Times, which first reported the news.
- Foxconn told lawmakers that the changes would be crucial to support efficient manufacturing at the plant at scale.
- Last week, it was reported that Foxconn planned to invest $700M in the Karnataka plant, which is expected to make iPhone parts and create around 100,000 jobs.
- The facility marks the latest effort by the Taiwanese company and others to shift electronics manufacturing away from China.
- Karnataka could become a prime alternative base for that manufacturing.
