Foxconn shuts Indian plant after workers get sick

The Chennai, India, plant could end up suspending operations for about a week to address whatever caused the sickness, the company said in a statement. A pesticide was suspected, said Foxconn, which makes iPhones, iPads and other brand-name electronics for corporations including Apple Inc. and Hewlett-Packard Co.

Many of the workers reported giddiness and nausea, and most had recovered after being treated at a hospital, according to the Taiwanese firm.

“All possible causes are being investigated by the relevant local authorities in India,” the statement said.

The company’s working environment has come under criticism recently following 10 worker suicides at its compound in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. Labor activists have linked the suicides to unduly harsh conditions at the plant, where more than 300,000 people are employed.

Associated Press