This Man Worked Undercover In A Chinese iPhone Factory | Insider Tech

Summary

In this insightful transcript, 'Jenang' describes his monotonous 12-hour shifts at an Apple factory in Shanghai, where he earns approximately $450 monthly, including overtime. The factory's strict security measures, worker uniforms, and the stark living conditions in dormitories are highlighted. Despite the challenging work environment, there are moments of camaraderie and simple pleasures, such as weekend gatherings and market visits. The high turnover rate reflects the transient nature of the job, which workers view as a means to earn money rather than a source of pride.

Takeaways

• 🕒 The worker spends 12 hours a day, with actual work time being 10.5 hours after breaks, performing a repetitive task of screwing the speaker to the iPhone's back case.
• 📍 The factory is located in Shanghai and is part of the Apple supply chain.
• 💰 The monthly wage, including base salary and overtime, is approximately 3,100 yuan, which is around $450.
• 👕 Workers are required to wear uniforms consisting of a blue hat, shirt, and pants, but they only receive one set.
• 📱 While some workers own iPhones, most use cheaper, China-produced phones.
• 🛂 Security measures include swiping a card and facial recognition to enter the factory, with additional security for iPhone 7 production.
• 🚫 The factory has measures to prevent worker suicides, such as nets on stairs and window cages.
• 🏢 Dormitories are shared, with eight people to a room and communal restrooms and showers for approximately 200 people.
• 🍜 Meal options in the factory are limited and cheap, often consisting of noodles with vegetables and no meat.
• 🎮 Workers' leisure activities include watching movies on their phones or playing video games like League of Legends at internet cafes.
• 🍗 Weekends are for socializing, with workers often visiting a nearby market for treats like roast chicken and beer.
• 🔄 The turnover rate is high, with workers typically leaving after a few weeks or a month, viewing the job as a means to earn money rather than a source of pride.

Q & A

What is the primary task of the narrator in the Apple factory?

The narrator's primary task is to put one screw that fastens the speaker to the back case of the iPhone.

How many hours does the narrator work in a day at the factory?

The narrator works 12 hours a day in the factory, but only 10 and 1/2 hours are considered work due to break time deductions.

What is the monthly salary of the narrator, including overtime wages?

The narrator's monthly salary is approximately 3,100 yuan, which includes the base salary plus overtime wages, equivalent to around $450.

How often does the narrator take a break during the week?

The narrator takes a break once a week, on Sunday.

How many workers are estimated to be in the factories according to the narrator?

The narrator estimates there to be about 70,000 workers inside the factories.

What is the attire requirement for workers in the factory?

Workers are required to wear a uniform which includes a blue hat, a paint shirt, and blue pants, along with sleepers.

What security measures are in place for workers entering the factory?

Workers need to swipe their cards and go through face recognition to enter the factory. Additionally, they must go through a metal detector, especially when entering the fourth floor.

What is the manager's attitude towards workers in the factory according to the narrator?

The manager's attitude is described as harsh, with yelling at workers being a routine occurrence.

What preventive measures are in place to prevent worker suicides in the factory?

The factory has nets in the stairs and cage-like ceilings on the windows to prevent workers from jumping.

What is the living situation like for the narrator in the dormitory?

The narrator shares a room with seven other people, and one floor has only one restroom and one bathroom for about 200 people to share.

What activities do workers typically engage in during their leisure time?

Workers usually stay in their dorms to watch movies on their phones or go to internet cafes to play video games like League of Legends.

What is the typical weekend activity for workers near the campus?

Workers often go to a big market close to the campus with many restaurants, where they might treat themselves to roast chicken and gather for a beer on Sundays.

What are the rules regarding drinking and smoking in the dormitory?

Drinking and smoking are not allowed in the dormitory, and workers who are drunk are not permitted to enter.

What is the turnover rate like in the factories?

The turnover rate is very high, with people often leaving after just two weeks or a month.

How do workers generally feel about their work in the factory?

Workers do not seem to be particularly proud of their work but rather view it as a job that provides them with money.

What is a moment of excitement for workers at the end of the day?

Workers feel excitement at the end of the day when the line manager counts down the remaining pieces to be completed, and they can interact and smile with each other.