It’s good to know that Apple took the situation seriously enough to act by sending its Chief Operating Officer to China. By the look of things, the problem seems to have been largely resolved.
Tim Cook personally visited supplier Foxconn’s Shenzhen facility in June 2010 as part of efforts to stop worker suicides, Apple revealed in its yearly report.
Tim Cook met Foxconn Technology Group’s CEO Terry Gou after 11 Foxconn workers committed suicide, mostly by jumping from high-rise dormitories provided by the company.
Foxconn briefed Cook on measures taken to prevent further deaths. Cook’s entourage included suicide-prevention specialists who made recommendations that Foxconn implemented. These included hiring psychological counselors, opening a 24-hour care center and installing nets in factories, Apple divulged.
Cook is now running Apple’s day-to-day operations while CEO Steve Jobs is on medical leave since January. Apple’s shares gained $2.33 to $259.18 in Nasdaq trading yesterday. Its shares have gained 11% this year.